France will look to extend their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they host Azerbaijan in Paris on Friday. Sitting comfortably atop Group D with two wins from two, Les Bleus enter the match brimming with confidence after back-to-back victories over Ukraine and Iceland. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, sit bottom of the group with just one point and a daunting challenge ahead.
Didier Deschamps’ men weren’t flawless in September’s fixtures, but they got the job done. They dispatched Ukraine 2-0 before edging Iceland 2-1 thanks to second-half strikes from Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola. Having reached three of the last four major tournament finals, they are expected to cruise through qualifying, though Deschamps will demand sharper finishing in front of goal.
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | France: -10000, Azerbaijan: +9000 | Draw: +3000 |
| Draw No Bet | France: Not available | Azerbaijan: +5500 |
| Total Goals | Over 4.5: -145 | Under 4.5: +100 |
| France to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +220 | No: -285 |
| Azerbaijan to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +8000 | No: +6600 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
France’s attacking talent remains unmatched, and the hosts shouldn’t have problems breaking down Azerbaijan’s fragile defence. The last time these two sides met, France ran out 10-0 winners in a Euro 1996 qualifier. Azerbaijan, for their part, managed to stop the rot with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Ukraine after opening their campaign with a humbling 5-0 defeat in Iceland.
Interim coach Aykhan Abbasov has tried to instil some discipline into a side that has long struggled on the continental stage, but goals remain a major concern. Azerbaijan have scored just twice in their last five competitive fixtures. Their recent performances suggest slow progress, yet facing a world-class opponent away from home is likely to expose their defensive frailties once again.
This fixture has all the makings of a one-sided goal fest. France’s attacking firepower has been relentless in recent months. Their ability to dominate possession and convert chances against weaker defenses makes them a nightmare matchup for an Azerbaijan side that has already conceded six goals in just two qualifiers. Facing a far superior France attack away from home could easily see Azerbaijan ger overwhelmed.
Back Olise on current form and matchup. He’s hot at club level with 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 Bundesliga games. He has already opened his France account in qualifying. Operating off the right, he loves the inside-cut and late box runs, and should see plenty of the ball for a dominant France side. With France heavy favorites and Olise likely to play major minutes in advanced areas, this bet could be a good option.
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France look several levels above here. Deschamps’s side have opened Group D with back-to-back wins and boast huge depth in attack. They rarely let inferior opponents breathe on home soil. They’ve conceded just once in qualifying so far and routinely rack up chances from wide areas and set pieces. France’s pressing and firepower should lead to a comfortable win here.
Final Prediction: France 5-0 Azerbaijan
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
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