Jakarta, CNN Indonesia --
France and England, who have already secured their tickets to the World Cup, achieved victory in their final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The French national team faced Azerbaijan in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku on Monday (17/11) early morning Indonesian time. Meanwhile, England visited the Arena Kombetare Stadium in Tirana to face Albania.
Just four minutes into the match, France conceded a goal. Renat Dadashov stunned Les Bleus.
Didier Deschamps' side immediately bounced back. Jean-Philippe Mateta made it 1-1 in the 17th minute.
France then repeatedly scored against Azerbaijan. In addition to two goals disallowed by the referee, two were allowed to stand.
Maghnes Akliouche's goal in the 30th minute gave France a 2-1 lead. The score changed again when Azerbaijan's Mahammadaliyev Shahrudin scored an own goal in the 45th minute.
Entering the second half, France and Azerbaijan failed to score. The Roosters and Mili Komanda squad's attacks failed to add to their tally.
Meanwhile, England, facing Albania, seemed to hit a dead end every time they tried to score a goal.
Harry Kane and his teammates continued to fail every time they attempted to convert their chances. It wasn't just Thomas Strakosha who kept England from scoring, but also Thomas Tuchel's team's subpar finishing.
After wasting many chances, the Three Lions finally managed to score in the 74th minute through Kane's touch in front of the goal.
Kane scored again in the 82nd minute by capitalizing on Marcus Rashford's cross.
Victories for France and England solidified their respective positions at the top of their respective groups. France advanced from Group D, while England advanced from Group K.
Azerbaijan vs France Lineups:
Azerbaijan: Shakhrudin Magomedaliyev; Elvin Badalov, Bahlul Mustafazada, Anton Krivotsyuk; Qismat Aliyev, Emlin Makhmudov, Abdulakh Khaybulayev, Rahman Dasdamirov; Jeyhun Nuriev, Renat Dadashov, Khayal Aliyev
France: Lucas Chevalier; Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez; Warren Zaire Emery, Khephren Thuram; Maghnes Akliouche, Christopher Nkunku, Hugo Ekitike; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
