Paris, Oct 11: Kylian Mbappé dazzled once again in French colours, scoring a stunning solo goal and setting up another as France eased past Azerbaijan 3-0 in their World Cup qualifying encounter on Friday.
But what began as a night of effortless brilliance for the Real Madrid forward ended with a worrying sight — the talisman limping off late with a recurrence of his right ankle injury.
France, runners-up at the 2022 World Cup, continued their flawless start to the 2026 qualifying campaign, collecting their third win in as many games to stay atop Group D with nine points. Despite dominating possession throughout, Didier Deschamps’ men were made to wait for the breakthrough — and when it came, it had Mbappé’s signature flair written all over it.
In first-half stoppage time, the 26-year-old picked up the ball near midfield and embarked on a slaloming run that left the Azerbaijani defence in disarray.
With a burst of pace and characteristic composure, he slotted the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 — his 53rd goal for France. The strike extended his remarkable scoring run to 10 consecutive matches for club and country, bringing him within five goals of Olivier Giroud’s all-time national record.
Mbappé was far from done. In the 69th minute, he turned provider, floating a measured cross into the box for Adrien Rabiot, who made no mistake with his header to double the lead. However, a collective gasp spread through the Parc des Princes when, in the 83rd minute, Mbappé went down clutching his right ankle — the same one that had troubled him before the international break. Though he attempted to continue, he was soon substituted as a precaution.
His replacement, Florian Thauvin, made an instant impact. The late call-up found the net within minutes, marking his first international goal since 2018 and sealing a comprehensive 3-0 win for Les Bleus.
Despite the comfortable victory, all eyes were on Mbappé’s fitness after the game. The French Football Federation later confirmed that the forward would not travel with the team to Reykjavik for Monday’s qualifier against Iceland and would instead return to Madrid for treatment.
Elsewhere in Group D, Ukraine secured a thrilling 5-3 win in Iceland, overturning a two-goal deficit with a late surge. The result leaves France five points clear at the top, with Iceland languishing in third and Azerbaijan still rooted to the bottom with just a single point.
Germany Bounce Back
Meanwhile, Germany breathed new life into their qualification campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Luxembourg in Frankfurt. After a shock defeat to Slovakia last month, Julian Nagelsmann’s side responded with conviction as Joshua Kimmich scored twice to steer Die Mannschaft to the top of Group A — albeit on goal difference.
Luxembourg’s hopes were dashed early when defender Dirk Carlson was sent off in the 20th minute for a last-man foul.
Germany capitalised ruthlessly, with Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané also getting on the scoresheet. Northern Ireland, too, grabbed an important 2-0 win over Slovakia, leaving three teams tied on six points. Belgium Frustrated, Switzerland Perfect
In Brussels, Belgium’s night ended in frustration despite 25 attempts on goal as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient North Macedonia side.
The result means North Macedonia remain top of Group J, one point ahead of Belgium, who have a game in hand. Wales sit a further point behind, while Kazakhstan moved up the table with a 4-0 demolition of Liechtenstein.
Switzerland continued their flawless march in Group B, making it three wins in a row — all without conceding — thanks to a 2-0 victory over Sweden. Second-half goals ensured another composed display from Murat Yakin’s men, who now sit five points clear of Kosovo, held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia.
As France celebrate another dominant win, the spotlight remains firmly on Mbappé — the scorer, creator, and now, once again, the injury concern.
His absence against Iceland will test the depth of a squad accustomed to relying on his brilliance, but with nine points from nine, Deschamps’ men look well on course for another World Cup campaign. (AP)
