Azerbaijan and France, who were opponents of the Ukrainian national team in Group D of the European qualification for the 2026 World Cup, played a match against each other in the last round.

Neither Azerbaijan nor France had any tournament significance from this match. The French secured their direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup well in advance, while Azerbaijan lost all hope of qualifying. Therefore, in the meeting in Baku, coaches had an opportunity to test their closest reserves.

The better they turned out to be for Didier Deschamps. Although the hosts managed to open the score with Renat Dadashov's efforts, before halftime the guests scored three times. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Magnez Akliush were on target, while Shahruddin Magomedalieva scored an own goal.

In the second half, the score did not change. 3-1 — victory for France's national team. 

World Cup 2026 Qualification. European qualification. Group D. Round 6

Azerbaijan — France — 1:3 (1:3)

Goals: Dadashov (4) — Mateta (17), Akliush (30), Magomedalieva (45+1, own goal).

Azerbaijan: Magomedalieva (Bayramov, 46), Badalov, Mustafazade, Krivocuk, G. Aliyev (Ahmedzade, 87), Haybulayev, Mahmudov (Abdullazade, 66), Dashdamirov, D. Nuriyev (Ahunzdade, 46), Dadashov (A. Husseinov, 75), H. Nuriyev.

France: Chevalier, T. Hernandez, L. Hernandez, Konate, Gusto, Thuram, Zaïr-Emery, Mateta (Barklya, 67), Nkunku (Sherki, 62), Akliush (Tovén, 62), Ekitiiké. 

Yellow cards: Krivocuk (39), Haybulayev (72).

November 16. Baku. Republican Stadium named after Tofig Bahramov.

Ukraine — Iceland — 2:0

Final standings