FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Matchday 3, 10/10/25
Kylian Mbappé’s impressive performance, which included a goal and an assist, helped France secure a convincing 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan as they edge closer to qualifying for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Match Overview
The first half lacked excitement until the final moments. Mbappé nearly put France ahead early on but missed the target, firing over the bar. Malo Gusto could only manage a shot straight at the Azerbaijan goalkeeper, and that was about as close as France came until injury time.
For most of the first half, Didier Deschamps’ team struggled to penetrate Azerbaijan’s solid defense, moving the ball around in front of them without creating significant chances. However, just before the break, Mbappé delivered a moment of quality, creating space for himself and finding the back of the net to break the deadlock.
Deschamps urged his players to quicken their pace in the second half, and they responded. Hugo Ekitiké, who assisted the opening goal, struck the post from a tight angle, while Mbappé missed a great chance in a three-on-two situation, opting to shoot and seeing his deflected effort bounce onto the roof of the net.
🤯 It has been six years since Florian Thauvin’s last appearance for France, six years and three months since his last goal for Les Bleus.
⚽️ It took the Lens forward just three touches to get on the scoresheet upon his return. Impact. pic.twitter.com/02zUw9jIZl
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) October 10, 2025
France did find their second goal through Adrien Rabiot, who was initially booed by the crowd but received applause after heading in Mbappé’s cross in the second half.
After contributing to both goals, Mbappé had to leave the match due to an injury, making way for Florian Thauvin, who was making his first appearance for France in six years. Thauvin made an immediate impact by scoring with his very first touch, showcasing his skills with an acrobatic finish after great play from Théo Hernandez.
With this win, France celebrated their third victory in the World Cup qualifying campaign. If the results favor them in the upcoming matches, they could secure a place in the tournament, although an ankle injury to Mbappé remains a concern for Les Bleus.
Player Ratings for France
Mike Maignan – 5
Théo Hernandez – 6
Dayot Upamecano – 5
William Saliba – 5
Malo Gusto – 5
Kingsley Coman – 5
Adrien Rabiot – 6
Khéphren Thuram – 6
Michael Olise – 5
Kylian Mbappé – 7
Mbappé is now focused on surpassing Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 goals. Though he didn’t always make the perfect decisions, his presence provided the sharpness desperately needed by Les Bleus. With a goal and an assist, he was instrumental in overcoming a determined Azerbaijan side.
Hugo Ekitiké – 6
While Ekitiké was largely quiet in the first half, he played a pivotal role as a focal point for the team. He provided an assist, even if most of the credit belonged to Mbappé for the build-up and finish. He also contributed to speeding up the play in the second half and narrowly missed his first international goal.