When France kept crashing again and again against Azerbaijan’s defensive wall, the usual hero appeared: Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid forward once again saved the Bleus with a goal and an assist that sealed a crucial victory on their path to the 2026 World Cup. On a night when frustration seemed to take over the team, the French captain imposed his authority and proved once more why he’s one of the most decisive players on the planet.

A goal born of faith and power

The match at the Parc des Princes started with an early warning: just 22 seconds in, Mbappé had already tested the goalkeeper. But the breakthrough came in stoppage time of the first half, when the Madrid star produced one of his trademark moments — pure speed, dribbling, and a lethal finish. His goal, the 17th of the season and his 53rd for France, leaves him just four goals shy of Olivier Giroud’s all-time record — all that at only 26 years old.

It was a goal forged through sheer persistence. Mbappé drove forward from outside the box, bursting past defenders with power and determination before finishing coolly against an Azerbaijan side that had defended with discipline and heart. That strike also extended his streak to ten consecutive matches scoring for club and country, a run that underlines his phenomenal form since joining Real Madrid.

An assist, a scare, and a triumphant finish

In the second half, Mbappé took center stage once again. In the 69th minute, after a fine team move, he delivered a perfect cross for Adrien Rabiot, who doubled the lead with a precise header. Moments later, tension filled the stadium when the French star suffered a heavy tackle and had to leave the pitch in the 82nd minute. Didier Deschamps chose not to take risks and brought on Florian Thauvin, who made the most of his return to the national team by scoring France’s third goal.

The final 3–0 scoreline reflected France’s dominance after enduring early struggles. With this win, Les Bleus claim their third consecutive victory in the qualifying campaign, moving closer to booking their ticket to North America 2026.

Kylian Mbappé’s performance was yet another reminder of his influence — a player capable of deciding a match in a single play, lifting the spirit of an entire team, and keeping alive the dreams of a generation once again chasing World Cup glory.