Overview
- Didier Deschamps fielded an entirely changed XI in Baku, where France recovered from a third‑minute concession to beat Azerbaijan 3-1 and complete qualifying unbeaten.
- Right back Malo Gusto assisted Jean-Philippe Mateta’s equalizer and Maghnes Akliouche’s first international goal, with the third credited as an own goal off the home goalkeeper.
- Lucas Chevalier won his first cap in goal, while Kylian Mbappé stayed home with a right ankle inflammation as confirmed by the federation.
- Deschamps framed the match as an audition, praising some contributors but keeping pressure on Rayan Cherki after calling for improvements following the Ukraine win; final selections loom after the March window with the World Cup draw on 5 December.
- In rugby, France beat Fiji 34-21 in Bordeaux to halt a four‑match slide, though Fabien Galthié highlighted lingering issues with discipline and defensive cohesion before facing Australia next.