These two nations have met only twice before, this coming in Euro '96 qualifying, with France winning both 2-0 in Trabzon and then 10-0 at Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps in Auxerre, which remains les Bleus' second-biggest margin of victory of all-time.
France vs Azerbaijan preview
Will France continue their perfect start to World Cup qualification? Last month, Didier Deschamps' side commenced this campaign by beating Ukraine 2-0 in Wrocław, thanks to goals from Michael Olise and then Kylian Mbappé. Four nights later, their clash with Iceland in Paris proved to be more challenging than most would've forecast. The visitors took a shock lead, only for quick-fire goals either side of half time from Mbappé and Bradley Barcola to restore order, albeit a red card shown to Aurélien Tchouaméni soon after meant they were rather hanging on by the end.
Nevertheless, les Bleus have now won 20 of their last 25 qualification fixtures, their most recent defeat coming against Türkiye in June 2019. Thus, France have featured at every Euros since '88 and every World Cup since USA '94. Having won the trophy in Russia and been a penalty shootout away from retaining it in Qatar, should they be in North America next summer, les Bleus will be among the favourites to go all the way again, so will they make it three wins out of three in qualifying?
As for Azerbaijan, the fact they were relegated to UEFA Nations League D last year, the competition's bottom-tier, underlines their minnow status. To commence this campaign, they were hammered 5-0 by Iceland in Reykjavík, a result that saw Fernando Santos sacked; he was the Portugal manager when his team beat France in the final of Euro 2016, so this is quite the fall from grace.
Under caretaker Aykhan Abbasov, Azerbaijan held Ukraine to a shock 1-1 draw in Bakı four days later, with Emin Mahmudov's second half penalty earning a share of the spoils. Nevertheless, this extends their winless streak to 12 matches, only managing to beat Mongolia and Kazakhstan in friendlies in the last two years. When looking at qualifiers only, Azerbaijan have won only three of their last 34 outings, losing 26 of them; Sweden, Estonia and San Marino the only nations they've managed to beat since September 2016. That records is not likely to improve in Paris on Friday.
France vs Azerbaijan head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- France Wins: 2. Draws: Zero. Azerbaijan Wins: Zero.
France team news
Didier Deschamps is without the suspended Aurélien Tchouaméni, while Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé and Rayan Cherki are among many players out injured.
Nevertheless, they do have Michael Olise, who has flourished in a number ten role during recent internationals, so will once again be deployed there.
Speaking of players with Crystal Palace connections, Jean-Philippe Mateta has been called up for the very first time. He scored five goals to help les Bleuets win Olympic silver on home soil last year, but could now win a first-ever senior cap at the age of 28.
France predicted lineup vs Azerbaijan: (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot, Coman, Olise, Thuram; Mbappé.
France player to watch vs Azerbaijan
Kylian Mbappé's penalty against Iceland takes his tally to 52 goals for France, just five behind Olivier Giroud's soon to be short-lived record, so will he edge even closer at Parc des Princes?
Azerbaijan team news
To say caretaker boss Aykhan Abbasov will take a defensive approach would be an understatement.
Goalkeeper Şahruddin Magomedaliyev should be prepared for a busy everning, part of a large contingent of domestic-based players in this squad. Midfielder Ozan Kökçü, whose brother Orkun, plays for Türkiye, is a rare exception, as he plays for Eredivisie outfit Volendam.
Azerbaijan predicted lineup vs France: (5-4-1): Magomedaliyev; Hüseynov, Krivotsyuk, Mustafazade, Daşdamirov, Cafarquliyev; Kökçü, Mahmudov, Bayramov, Nuriyev; Emreli.
Azerbaijan player to watch vs France
Mahir Emreli has six international goals to his name, on target during Azerbaijan's most recent win against Kazakhstan in Szombathely in June 2024, so could he bag a famous goal in Paris?
France vs Azerbaijan prediction
Unsurprisingly, we're forecasting a resounding French victory at Parc des Princes, likely to put Azerbaijan to the sword and score as many as they want really: France 6-0 Azerbaijan.
France vs Azerbaijan FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch France vs Azerbaijan in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
France vs Azerbaijan in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch France vs Azerbaijan in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
France vs Azerbaijan in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for France vs Azerbaijan in World Cup qualification?
France vs Azerbaijan takes place on Friday 10 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).