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The European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue with high anticipation as France prepare to face Azerbaijan this Sunday evening at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium. The match, scheduled for 7:00 PM local time, brings together two teams at opposite ends of the qualifying spectrum. France enter as overwhelming favourites, while Azerbaijan find themselves battling to salvage pride in what has been a difficult campaign.
Contrasting Fortunes in Group Play
France, one of Europe’s most successful national teams, have demonstrated dominance throughout the qualifiers. Their performances have been marked by tactical discipline, attacking potency, and squad depth. Under Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus continue to evolve, blending established talents with promising young players.
Azerbaijan, however, sit at the bottom of the group with only one point earned from a single draw. Their record includes four losses, only two goals scored, and a concerning 13 goals conceded. The defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed repeatedly, and their lack of efficiency in the final third has made qualification nearly impossible. However, matches like this offer valuable competitive experience and the opportunity to test themselves against world-class opposition.
France Face Major Absences
Despite being favourites, France arrive in Baku with significant challenges. Three important players will miss the match, forcing Deschamps to adjust his game plan.
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Kylian Mbappé, the team’s star forward, is sidelined with right-ankle inflammation. He is undergoing extended medical assessments in Madrid and will not travel with the squad.
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Eduardo Camavinga, a crucial figure in midfield, is nursing a hamstring strain that rules him out.
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Manu Koné is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the last match against Ukraine.
These absences remove creativity, speed, and midfield balance from the French lineup. Nevertheless, France’s depth ensures that capable replacements — such as Ousmane Dembélé, Marcus Thuram, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Warren Zaïre-Emery — are ready to step up.
Azerbaijan’s Challenge: Damage Control and Opportunity
For Azerbaijan, the game is less about qualification and more about resilience and progress. Coach Gianni De Biasi is expected to adopt a defensively structured approach, aiming to limit France’s attacking threats. Quick counterattacks and set pieces will likely form the core of their strategy. With the home crowd behind them, Azerbaijan will hope to frustrate the visitors long enough to create scoring chances.
Azerbaijan’s lack of goals is a major concern, and breaking through France’s strong backline will require precision and confidence. Still, matches of this magnitude inspire players to rise to the occasion.
What to Expect on Matchday
France’s possession-oriented style and superior individual quality should dictate the tempo from start to finish. Expect Deschamps’ side to apply early pressure, especially down the wings, where France traditionally excel.
Azerbaijan will focus on maintaining shape, blocking passing lanes, and avoiding defensive mistakes. Their main objective will be to stay competitive and avoid conceding early, which could shift the match entirely in France’s favour.
Final Outlook
Even without Mbappé, Camavinga, and Koné, France remain firm favourites. Their professionalism, depth, and experience should be enough to secure an important victory that strengthens their path toward the 2026 World Cup. For Azerbaijan, the match offers an opportunity to build character, measure progress, and gain valuable exposure against one of the world’s elite teams.