France vs Azerbaijan

The match between France and Azerbaijan will be played at Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday, 10 October 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 22:45 Baku time. It is a Group D fixture in the UEFA 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers. France enters the match leading the group with six points from their first two qualifiers, while Azerbaijan is near the bottom with one point. The stadium is expected to host a full crowd, giving France strong home support.

France’s squad has several absences due to injury and suspension. Key players missing include Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Marcus Thuram, Bradley Barcola, and possibly Hugo Ekitike and Loïc Bade. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended after receiving a red card in France’s previous qualifier against Iceland. Florian Thauvin has been called up to replace the injured Bradley Barcola. Azerbaijan is expected to field most of their usual squad, with no major injuries reported.

Tactically, France under Didier Deschamps are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Given the absences, some rotation is expected, with Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, and Michael Olise playing key roles in midfield and attack. France will aim to dominate possession, press high, and score early to control the match. Azerbaijan are expected to adopt a more defensive approach, possibly using a back five to limit space, focusing on counterattacks and set pieces.

In the press build-up, Deschamps has praised Azerbaijan’s resilience while emphasizing that France must approach the game seriously despite being favorites. Media coverage has focused on how France will cope without key players and whether squad depth will be sufficient. Azerbaijani and international outlets note the difference in form between the teams, highlighting France’s strength and Azerbaijan’s challenge in getting a positive result in Paris.

Studio analysts have highlighted key questions such as how France’s rotated players will perform, whether their attack will maintain its edge, and if Azerbaijan can absorb pressure and capitalize on mistakes. Kylian Mbappé’s fitness is also under discussion, though he is expected to play. Substitution strategy is seen as important for both teams, and France’s defensive stability, especially at full-back and midfield, will be under scrutiny. Analysts will also watch Azerbaijan’s forwards, such as Mahir Emreli and Renat Dadashov, for their potential to exploit gaps in France’s defense.

Watch and Download France vs Azerbaijan full match replay and highlights, At Friday, October 10, 2025. The match played at Parc des Princes, in World Cup Qualifying, UEFA.

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