Sunday in Baku, the French team, qualified for the 2026 World Cup, plays its last match in 2025. With the idea of finishing on a good note.
What is at stake in the meeting?
We might as well remove any (false) suspense from the outset, there is nothing at stake in this match. None ! Whether France wins by ten goals or loses in Baku will change absolutely nothing in terms of accounting in this international campaign. The Blues, qualified for the World Cup (June 11-July 19) since Thursday evening and their victory against Ukraine (4-0), are guaranteed to finish first in the group. The idea will be to end the year on a good note and for certain elements to score points for next summer when places will be expensive.
Why is Mbappé not there?
Announced to withdraw on Friday morning, via a press release from the FFF, due to inflammation in his ankle, the captain of the Blues is not traveling to Baku. “I believe that there was no risk to take, given that we are already qualifiedbreathed Didier Deschamps. As is the case with Eduardo Camavinga (sent back to Madrid too, like Manu Koné, suspended). » Double scorer against Ukraine, and author of an excellent second half, Kylian Mbappé did the job. As since the start of qualifying, where he held his place (4 goals in 4 matches). Real injury or preferential treatment? With the World Cup in mind, the coach takes care of his best player. This may be open to debate. It’s up to others to show themselves up to standard. In seven months at the World Cup, no one will talk about it anymore.
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Who is playing “big” in view of the World Cup?
If Deschamps leaves on a list of 26 items, there are few seats left to take on the plane to America. Every detail counts. This match against Azerbaijan should allow the holders to score points in the absence of Mbappé, Dembélé, Doué, Thuram, Kolo Muani, Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Camavinga, all almost guaranteed to be at the World Cup, barring injury.
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In goal, Chevalier, for whom this will be the first cape, must show that the staff can count on him in the No. 2 costume behind Maignan. In the middle Zaire-Emery and Thuram have no time to waste, especially with the return of Kanté, clean and efficient on Thursday evening. In attack, Ekitiké, author of a “thunderous return to school» against Ukraine dixit “DD”, has already successfully completed his internship. It’s up to him to make it even more consistent on Sunday evening. Mateta starts from a long way ahead of the World Cup, just like Nkunku, Thauvin or Akliouche. In Baku, it’s one of their last chances to shine with the blue jersey.
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Which team will Didier Deschamps field?
The turnover will be significant and he has made no secret of it. After reading the match day session, eleven changes should be made. Knight in goal, Gusto on the right, Théo Hernandez on the left, Konaté and Lucas Hernandez in the axis. In the middle, Zaire-Emery and Thuram, with Akliouche on the right and Nkunku on the left. In front of Mateta should be associated with Ekitiké. A completely overhauled team.
The probable eleven of the Blues
Chevalier – Gusto, Koné (Cap.), L. Hernandz, T. Hernandz – Akliouch, Zaire-Emery, Thuram, Nkunku – Mateta, Ekokiké
After this last match in 2025, what will be the Blues’ program?
If the next international gathering will take place in March, with undoubtedly a tour planned in the United States and a whispered meeting against Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, the news from the Blues will not stop until then. Didier Deschamps and his deputy Guy Stéphan are expected in Washington on December 5 for the draw for the 2026 World Cup (June 11-July 19). The Blues will be focused on their opponents in the first round next summer. The list of 26 is expected in mid-May, before two friendly matches to be scheduled, either in France or the United States, before the start of the competition. 2026 promises to be exciting and grandiose for the French team.
