It’s top versus bottom in Group D of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (WCQ) as France host Azerbaijan.
Match News and Current Form
France had to come from a goal behind and play over half an hour with only ten men in their last WCQ game against Iceland, but still secured a 2-1 win to make it six points from two games in the group. That victory means that Les Bleus have lost only two of their last 11 games at any venue (W8, D1), have won five of their last eight at home (D2, L1) and are on a three-match winning streak ahead of Friday evening’s fixture. With plenty of absentees due to injury, Didier Deschamps has called up Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for the first time as his side look to continue their progress towards an eighth successive World Cup finals.
Azerbaijan have won only one away game since the start of 2023 (D1, L8), and will travel to Paris having failed to score in their last three matches on the road, the most recent of which saw them lose 5-0 in Iceland. That defeat was swiftly followed by the sacking of manager Fernando Santos, with caretaker Aykhan Abbasov having an immediate impact as the Milli komanda picked up their first point of this WCQ cycle with a 1-1 home draw against Ukraine. Despite that point, it is now 12 games since Azerbaijan last tasted victory (D3, L9), while they have also gone 12 matches without a WCQ win (D2, L10)!
Head-to-Head History
Azerbaijan have lost both H2Hs against France, failing to score in either game, with the hosts winning 10-0 when they last met in September 1995!
Hot Stats and Streaks
France have scored in both halves in each of their last three matches.
France have kept a clean sheet in the second half of six of their last seven home games.
Azerbaijan have failed to score in both halves across their last ten away games.
Azerbaijan have scored one goal or fewer in 16 of their last 17 matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Michael Olise has been in fine recent form for France with four direct goal contributions from his last five international appearances (G3, A1), while Emin Mahmudov scored Azerbaijan’s equaliser against Ukraine, but also picked up a booking for the second time in his last three internationals.
France are missing Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ousmane Dembélé, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola all through injury, while Azerbaijan appear to have no injuries or suspensions.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre
Betting Analysis
France to win both halves to nil looks like a solid bet considering Azerbaijan's lack of goals!
Author: Tom Penn
