Kylian Mbappe proved to be the decisive force as France moved a step closer to World Cup qualification, securing a 3-0 home victory over Azerbaijan in their Group D qualifier on Friday, October 10, 2025. Despite a somewhat uninspired performance, the result was all that mattered for Les Bleus.
The 26-year-old superstar broke the deadlock just before halftime and then skillfully assisted Adrien Rabiot for the second goal. Substitute Florian Thauvin later sealed the dominant performance with a third, pushing France to nine points from three matches. This convincing win sets up Didier Deschamps’ squad with a prime opportunity to clinch qualification when they face Iceland on Monday.
Even with several prominent players sidelined due to injury – including Paris Saint-Germain forwards Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola – the French side managed to overcome a sluggish first-half display, largely thanks to the combined efforts of former PSG teammates Mbappe and Rabiot.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, who are set to face second-placed Ukraine (currently on four points) next, remain at the bottom of Group D with just one point. Iceland holds three points after an equal number of games played.
This victory extends France’s remarkable unbeaten streak in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers to an impressive 26 matches, even if their latest performance wasn’t their most dazzling.
The match began with Mbappe immediately threatening the opposition goal. Malo Gusto also unleashed a powerful angled shot at the serene Parc des Princes. Hugo Ekitike tested goalkeeper Shakhrudin Magomedaliyev as well, but despite these attempts, France struggled to find a decisive edge throughout a largely uninspired opening half.
However, just as the first half was about to conclude, Mbappe showcased his brilliance, weaving through Azerbaijan’s defense before calmly slotting a precise low shot into the net, giving France a crucial lead.
Early in the second half, Ekitike nearly doubled the lead, his angled right-footed strike agonisingly deflecting off the far post.
Adrien Rabiot then firmly cemented France’s control in the 69th minute, converting a superb cross from Mbappe with a well-placed header.
Adding to the celebrations, Florian Thauvin, making his first appearance for Les Bleus in six years since his World Cup-winning campaign in 2018, entered the game in the 83rd minute. He replaced Mbappe, who had picked up an ankle knock, and remarkably scored with his very first touch a minute later, executing a delicate volley to complete the scoring.