"Les Bleus fell behind to an early Renat Dadashov strike but Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maghnes Akliouche were on target before an own goal made it a comfortable victory. The French, runners-up in 2022, had already booked their spot at next year's finals by beating Ukraine 4-0 on Thursday. Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice that night to take his career tally to 400 goals, was missing from the squad due to an ankle problem, so Crystal Palace striker Mateta got a chance from the start."
"France dragged themselves level in the 17th minute when Mateta headed in a cross from Gusto for his second international goal in two starts. They thought they had taken the lead moments later when Gusto's drive from the edge of the box was deflected in by Christopher Nkunku, but a VAR check ruled that the ball hit his arm. Instead France went ahead when Gusto ghosted in at the far post and swept the ball back across goal for Akliouche to tuck away."
France overcame an early Renat Dadashov goal to defeat Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku. Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized in the 17th minute before Maghnes Akliouche put France ahead following Malo Gusto's involvement. Khephren Thuram had a goal disallowed for handball, and an own goal by Azerbaijan keeper Sahruddin Mahammadaliyev made the score 3-1 before half-time. Kylian Mbappé missed the match with an ankle problem, earning Mateta a start. France finished top of Group D with 16 points while Azerbaijan remained bottom with one point.
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