Sat Oct 11 10:42:43 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**France Edges Azerbaijan 3-0, Mbappe Injury Clouds World Cup Qualification Hopes**

**Paris, France -** France defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 in a World Cup qualifying match on Friday, bringing them closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to star player Kylian Mbappe, who will miss Monday’s crucial qualifier against Iceland.

Mbappe, who opened the scoring in the match, sustained further aggravation to his already sore right ankle. He had been managing a “small niggle” since joining Real Madrid. He was substituted during the game following two separate impacts to the injured area.

“He has a sore ankle and he took a knock there. He preferred to come off; the pain was quite significant,” Coach Deschamps said after the game.

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Mbappe’s absence from the Iceland match, stating he “will not be able to play Monday against Iceland.” He has been released back to Real Madrid and will not be replaced in the squad.

Mbappe’s absence compounds a growing list of unavailable forwards, including Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marcus Thuram, and Bradley Barcola.

Adrien Rabiot and substitute Florian Thauvin also scored in the victory, maintaining France’s unbeaten record in Group D.

France will secure their place in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico if they defeat Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fails to win against Azerbaijan. However, the team will have to do so without their captain and talisman, adding pressure to the remaining squad members.

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