Kylian Mbappé delivered a masterclass performance, spearheading France's 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in their recent World Cup qualifier held on Friday, October 10, 2025. The match, played at the Parc des Princes in Paris, saw Mbappé score a stunning solo goal and provide an assist, solidifying France's lead in Group D.
France dominated the match, but Azerbaijan's defense proved resilient, particularly in the first half. Despite France's relentless pressure, clear-cut opportunities were scarce until Mbappé's moment of brilliance just before halftime. Receiving the ball in midfield, the Real Madrid forward embarked on a slaloming run, weaving past numerous defenders before slotting a precise shot into the bottom-right corner of the net. This marked Mbappé's 10th consecutive match scoring for club and country, underscoring his exceptional form.
The goal, coming in first-half stoppage time, was a sucker punch to Azerbaijan, who had defended valiantly. The visitors had managed to frustrate the French attack, but Mbappé's individual brilliance broke the deadlock.
France continued to press in the second half. Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, making his first start for France, almost doubled the lead, but his shot hit the post. Mbappé continued to threaten, with several attempts narrowly missing the target. In the 69th minute, Mbappé turned provider, delivering a lofted pass into the area from a corner for Adrien Rabiot to head home, extending France's lead to 2-0. Rabiot's goal was met with mixed reactions from the home crowd, but it was a crucial moment in the match.
Mbappé's evening, however, ended prematurely when he limped off the field in the 83rd minute with an apparent ankle injury. He appeared to aggravate the same ankle he had injured recently. His replacement, Florian Thauvin, who was a late call-up, made an instant impact, scoring his first goal for Les Bleus since 2019. Thauvin collected the ball in the area, spun quickly, and volleyed home, sealing France's 3-0 victory.
France's victory keeps them at the top of Group D with a perfect record after three games. Ukraine is in second place, five points behind. France will secure qualification for the World Cup if they win their next match in Iceland and Ukraine fails to beat Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the group with one point.
Despite the defeat, Azerbaijan can take encouragement from their performance, particularly their defensive efforts in the first half. However, they ultimately succumbed to France's superior quality and Mbappé's brilliance.
Kylian Mbappé was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. He continues to close in on Olivier Giroud's all-time goalscoring record for France, needing just five more goals to overtake him.
