Overview
- France host Ukraine on Thursday, November 13, then travel to Baku to face Azerbaijan the following Sunday to close World Cup qualifying.
- Qualification can be secured with a win over Ukraine, following last month’s 3-0 victory against Azerbaijan and 2-2 draw with Iceland.
- Key absences include Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, prompting midfield and attacking changes.
- Florian Thauvin is left out, while Jean-Philippe Mateta keeps his place; Hugo Ekitike, Maghnes Akliouche, Christopher Nkunku and Bradley Barcola are included.
- Michael Olise features in midfield, with Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Lucas Chevalier in goal and a defensive group led by Koundé, Konaté, Saliba and the Hernandez brothers.