France Beats Azerbaijan 3-1 to Top Group D

France defeated Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku on Sunday, wrapping up their unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign atop Group D with a rotated squad that showcased emerging talent despite an early setback.

The match, held at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium, carried little stakes for Les Bleus, who had already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday. Coach Didier Deschamps rested key players including Kylian Mbappe, sidelined by an ankle injury, and made wholesale changes to the lineup, giving opportunities to backups like Jean-Philippe Mateta, Maghnes Akliouche and Hugo Ekitike.

Azerbaijan stunned the visitors in the fourth minute when Renat Dadashov swept home a low cross from Rahman Dasdamirov at the near post, marking the hosts' first-ever goal against France and ending a run of three prior defeats by an aggregate 15-0 score. The early lead sparked a lively spell for Azerbaijan, with Khayal Aliyev and Emin Mahmudov testing France's defense, but Les Bleus struggled to find rhythm in a game lacking competitive edge.

France responded swiftly, leveling in the 17th minute through Mateta's header from a dinked cross by...