France’s Potential Starting Lineup Against Azerbaijan Revealed
France Seeks to Strengthen Lead Against Azerbaijan in World Cup Qualifiers
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers continue, France is set to reinforce its position at the top of Group D. The French team will host Azerbaijan at the iconic Stade de France in Paris. France, under Didier Deschamps’ management, maintains a flawless record with two wins out of two matches. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is at the bottom of the group with just one point. France recently secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Iceland and aims for another win despite key injuries.
Key Players Missing from France’s Lineup
Ousmane Dembélé and Rayan Cherki are sidelined due to injuries, presenting challenges for the French squad. However, Mike Maignan’s undeniable presence as the goalkeeper fortifies France’s defense.
France’s Projected Lineup and Strategy
With an eye on dominating possession, France is expected to start with the following lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan – Highly reliable with exceptional reflexes and leadership.
- Defense: Malo Gusto, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté, Theo Hernandez – A mix of youth and experience, from Chelsea and Arsenal to Milan and Liverpool, providing stability at the back.
- Midfield: Adrien Rabiot, Eduardo Camavinga, Khéphren Thuram – A balance of skill and physicality, offering both defensive security and creative playmaking.
- Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Christopher Nkunku, Kylian Mbappé – An aggressive and dynamic attacking trio ready to exploit any defensive gaps.
Azerbaijan’s Defensive Approach
Azerbaijan, anticipating a challenging match, is likely to adopt a highly defensive 5-4-1 formation to counter France’s offensive strength. The lineup may include:
- Goalkeeper: Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev
- Defenders: Abbas Huseynov, Bahlul Mustafazada, Badavi Huseynov, Anton Krivotsyuk, Elvin Cafarguliyev
- Midfielders: Ozan Kökçü, Emin Mahmudov, Filip Ozobić, Ramil Sheydayev
- Forward: Mahir Emreli
France’s Path to World Cup Success
The match is crucial for France as a victory would move them closer to securing their spot in the World Cup. The French team is poised to employ a strategic and aggressive playstyle, aiming to break down Azerbaijan’s defense and clinch another win.
Stay updated with Emegypt for more international football news. Keep following the qualifiers and the journey of teams as they compete for a place on the global stage in the upcoming World Cup.
