The France team will not be at full strength for its last match of the year against Azerbaijan, Sunday in Baku.
This time, the Blues will see America! Thirty-two years after the sinking of the French team against Bulgaria (1-2), a defeat which deprived it of the 1994 World Cup, Didier Deschamps’ players did not tremble when it came time to validate their ticket for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Thursday evening, the ghosts of the Parc des Princes remained in the locker room against Ukraine, which Kylian Mbappé’s teammates largely dominated (4-0). A meeting which took place in two stages, with a fairly dull first period and a much more convincing second act from the French players.
Released after the penalty nicely transformed by Kylian Mbappé (55e), the Blues then unfolded: Michael Olise first doubled the lead (76e), then his captain then went for his double (83e) – already the 400e goal of his career, at the age of 26 – before serving Hugo Ekitiké to punctuate the score (88e). Mission accomplished.
Two absentees confirmed against Azerbaijan
What follows for the French team is the long trip which will take it to Azerbaijan. Because before planning for the North American World Cup, the draw for which will be made on December 5 in Washington, the Blues must play one last match in these qualifiers for the Europe zone, Sunday in Baku (6 p.m.).
A trip that two members of the group will not make. Forfeited against the Ukrainians, Eduardo Camavinga will return to Madrid this Friday. “He has had examinations, there is no lesion but he has muscular discomfort in one thigh”revealed Didier Deschamps, before announcing another absence, this one regulatory.
“Manu Koné won’t come either, unless he wants to come but I don’t think so, the trip is a bit far”he said. The midfielder, starting alongside N’Golo Kanté, received a yellow card half an hour into the game (31e), a new sanction synonymous with suspension against Azerbaijan.
The AS Roma player had already been booked against Spain (June 5), in the semi-final of the League of Nations, then against Iceland (September 9). This will reinforce “DD” in the idea of running for the last meeting of the year. “That I run it, it’s very likely yes. It’s even sure”he announced.
