Overview
- Didier Deschamps’ side qualify with a win; a draw or defeat would push the decision to Sunday’s finale in Azerbaijan.
- Pre‑match plans include a minute of silence and bleuet insignia for players and staff, as confirmed by the French federation.
- Kylian Mbappé set the tone by insisting the “only option is victory” and by urging a performance that honors the commemorations.
- Rayan Cherki is expected to start as a central creator behind Mbappé, with Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola on the flanks.
- N’Golo Kanté returns to a starting role alongside Manu Koné, as injuries to Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Randal Kolo Muani, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot reshape the XI.