France defeated Azerbaijan and maintained the lead
The French national team defeated Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku during the 2026 World Cup qualifying stage and maintained their lead in Group D. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
In this match, the home team managed to score a historic goal but could not hold onto the advantage. The match started very actively.
In the fourth minute, Azerbaijan's forward Dadashov successfully finished a pass from Dashdamirov, opening the scoring. This goal went down in history as Azerbaijan's first goal against France.
However, the French players did not wait long to respond. Gusto delivered an accurate pass from the right wing, and Mateta headed the ball into the net, leveling the score.
By the middle of the first half, the French team began to control the ball confidently. Gusto and Theo Hernandez were active on the wings, while Nkunku excellently found the free spaces between the lines.
The second goal was scored as a result of a quick attack: the ball passed from the left wing reached Gusto, who made a precise pass to the front of the goal. Aklyush struck the ball into the far corner in one shot, bringing the score to 2-1.
In the final minutes of the half, a set-piece situation occurred near Azerbaijan's goal. The ball from the corner was unsuccessfully intercepted by goalkeeper Magomedaliyev and deflected into the net.
This goal was recorded as an own goal by the goalkeeper. In the second half, the French team continued the game pragmatically.
Deschamps' players controlled the ball, varied the pace of attacks, and did not give the opponent serious chances. Azerbaijan only occasionally tried to go on the attack but failed to threaten the visitors' goal.
As a result, France reached 16 points and continued to lead Group D. Azerbaijan remained in fourth place with one point.
