Kylian Mbappe once again proved why he’s considered one of the best players in world football, delivering a stellar performance in France’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in a Group D World Cup qualifier at the Parc des Princes on Friday night. The result maintains France’s perfect record with nine points from three games, putting them firmly in control of their group.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring just before half-time, with Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin adding second-half goals to seal a dominant performance from Didier Deschamps’ side. The win keeps France five points ahead of second-placed Ukraine, who won a high-scoring encounter 5-3 against Iceland.
The highlight of the night, once again, was Kylian Mbappe, who continues to dazzle on the international stage. His first-half goal marked his 10th consecutive game scoring for club and country, underlining his incredible form in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Kylian Mbappe showed quick feet to evade one defender before firing a low shot through another and past Azerbaijan goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev. The goal was his 53rd for the French national team, moving him closer to Olivier Giroud’s all-time record of 57 goals.
“It’s another goal for the team, but more importantly, we’re in a strong position in the group,” said Mbappe after the match.
Kylian Mbappe Continues Scoring Streak in World Cup Qualifiers
With three wins from three, France now sit comfortably at the top of Group D. Their next match against Iceland on Monday could see them secure early qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the Americas—but only if Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan in their parallel fixture.
Coach Didier Deschamps was pleased with the result but admitted the performance left room for improvement.
“I’m not going to jump for joy. We won, we scored three, but we could have done more,” Deschamps said. “It’s three points, but perhaps not in the way we wanted to. We got the job done. Monday will be another game, another context.”
France’s lineup featured some fresh talent, including Hugo Ekitike, handed his first senior start, and Khephren Thuram, who also made his debut. Ekitike almost got on the scoresheet early in the second half, unleashing a powerful shot that smashed off the far post.
Kylian Mbappe, always at the center of the action, came close to scoring again with several dangerous runs and attempts, narrowly missing the target twice in the second half. In the 68th minute, Thuram forced a fingertip save from Magomedaliyev, leading to a corner kick that led to France’s second goal.
From that set-piece, Mbappe again played a key role, delivering a precise ball back into the box for Adrien Rabiot, who headed it into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
The final goal of the evening came from an emotional moment for Florian Thauvin, who marked his return to the national team with a stunning strike. Coming on in the 84th minute to replace Kylian Mbappe, Thauvin wasted no time making an impact.
He received the ball with his back to goal, spun quickly, and volleyed into the net—leaving the Azerbaijan goalkeeper with no chance.
“It’s incredible. I dreamed so much about returning to the French national team that I told myself that if I ever had the chance to play, I would give it my all,” said Thauvin. “That’s what happened today. I was rewarded. It was very emotional.”
As France’s captain, Kylian Mbappe is not only delivering goals but also leadership. His consistent performances are setting the tone for a French side that is brimming with talent and hungry for success. With his form peaking at the right time, Mbappe will be crucial to France’s ambitions in the upcoming World Cup.
Now just four goals away from Giroud’s all-time France record, the Paris Saint-Germain star could soon etch his name even deeper into French football history.
Source- EWN
