Overview
- Deschamps made eleven changes and handed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier his first cap as France came from behind to defeat Azerbaijan 3-1.
- Malo Gusto recorded two assists, Jean-Philippe Mateta headed the equalizer, Maghnes Akliouche netted his first international goal, and a Khéphren Thuram strike led to a keeper own goal before the break.
- Chevalier conceded inside four minutes, which French reports noted as the quickest first goal against a debutant France keeper since 1935, highlighting an initially disjointed display.
- With qualification already secured, the match served as an audition window as Warren Zaïre-Emery, Hugo Ekitiké, Christopher Nkunku and others pressed their claims ahead of the lone March window.
- Kylian Mbappé was absent with ankle inflammation confirmed by the FFF, while Eduardo Camavinga missed out and Manu Koné served a suspension.