France Eyes World Cup Glory as They Battle Azerbaijan in Crucial 2026 Qualifier Showdown

France wrap up their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign far from home this Sunday evening, as they make the journey to Baku to take on Azerbaijan.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has recently made the extended journey to the former Soviet nation for a Champions League match against Qarabag, and the fullback might recognize some familiar faces in the Azerbaijani capital this weekend.

France secured their place at next summer's competition with a commanding 4–0 triumph over Ukraine, which means Iceland are now best positioned to claim a playoff berth in Group D ahead of their decisive qualifier against the Ukrainians.

Les Bleus haven't always been convincing throughout the qualifying campaign, but they've claimed the group lead having secured four victories from their five matches. The three goals they've allowed came in their two encounters with Iceland, who defeated Azerbaijan 2–0 on Thursday.

The home side's quest to reach a major tournament continues, and they've managed just one point in qualifying thus far. France won the earlier meeting 3–0 last month.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of France's concluding 2026 World Cup qualifier.

What Time Does Azerbaijan vs. France Kick Off?

Azerbaijan vs. France Head-to-Head record (All Games)

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Azerbaijan Team News

Interim boss Aykhan Abbasov isn't thought to be managing any new injury issues following the 2–0 loss to Iceland.

Most players in Abbasov's roster are unknown to broader audiences, but several have made their mark with Champions League dark horses Qarabag during the early league phase.

Badavi Guseynov captains both Qarabag and his national team, and he enters Sunday's match as Azerbaijan's fifth-most capped player. Striker Ramil Sheydayev, meanwhile, ranks third on their all-time goalscoring list with ten strikes in 69 appearances.

Azerbaijan Predicted Lineup vs. France

Azerbaijan predicted lineup vs. France (3-4-2-1): Bayramov; Badalov, Mustafazade, Krivotsyuk; Hüseynov, Makhmudov, Khaybulaev, Abbasov; Bayramov, Aliyev; Akhundzade.

France Team News

France's position as group champions means Deschamps should provide uncommon starting opportunities for some of his squad players on Sunday evening.

Captain Kylian Mbappé has sustained an ankle problem and won't be traveling to Baku this weekend. He'll probably be substituted in the lineup by Liverpool's Hugo Ekitiké, who scored France's fourth goal as a substitute on Thursday.

Monaco prospect Maghnes Akliouche might start on the right wing, supporting Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola, while Warren Zaïre-Emery's strong performances merit recognition with a place in the midfield partnership, possibly alongside experienced N'Golo Kanté.

Ibrahima Konaté comes back to partner longtime teammate Dayot Upamecano, but Eduardo Camavinga remains sidelined with injury.

France Predicted Lineup vs. Azerbaijan

France predicted lineup vs Azerbaijan (4-2-3-1): Samba; Gusto, Konaté, Upamecano, Digne; Kanté, Zaïre-Emery; Akliouche, Cherki, Barcola; Ekitiké.

Azerbaijan vs. France Score Prediction

The French squad could do without the lengthy journey for what's essentially a meaningless match following their Thursday triumph.

We shouldn't anticipate Deschamps' team to be close to their peak form, given the expected rotation and all, but there will be players eager to make an impression on the national team manager in Baku.

The home team is unlikely to trouble their visitors here, with France coasting to a fifth and final qualifying victory.

Prediction: Azerbaijan 0–2 France