France Poised for 2026 World Cup Qualification Amid Injury Setbacks and Key Matches
France is close to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, dependent on wins over Azerbaijan and Iceland and results in Group D, amid some injury concerns.
- • France leads Group D with two wins and could qualify this week with victories against Azerbaijan and Iceland.
- • Qualification depends not only on France’s results but also on outcomes of matches involving Iceland and Ukraine.
- • PSG's Bradley Barcola is injured and replaced by Florian Thauvin in the squad.
- • Kylian Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté are injured but remain in training for upcoming qualifiers.
Key details
The French national football team is on the cusp of securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pending crucial upcoming matches and the results of competing teams in Group D. Currently leading the group after victories over Ukraine and Iceland in September, Les Bleus will face Azerbaijan on Friday night in a decisive qualifier. A win against Azerbaijan, followed by another potential victory over Iceland on Monday, could clinch their World Cup spot as early as this week.
Qualification for France depends not only on their own performance but also heavily on outcomes involving Iceland and Ukraine. If Iceland and Ukraine draw Friday, France's qualification will be guaranteed regardless of further results. However, a Ukrainian victory on Friday requires France to rely on Ukraine losing their ensuing match versus Azerbaijan to secure World Cup qualification now. Should Iceland defeat Ukraine, France will need to wait until the qualifiers conclude in November to confirm their participation.
Alongside these pivotal fixtures, the team faces some roster challenges. PSG’s Bradley Barcola is sidelined with a chronic hamstring injury, which has sparked dispute between PSG and the French Football Federation concerning injury details. Fortunately, Florian Thauvin has been recalled to replace Barcola, marking his first call-up since June 2019. Meanwhile, star Kylian Mbappé and defender Ibrahima Konaté are undergoing treatment for minor injuries but continue to train with the squad. Young talent Senny Mayulu is unavailable for the France U21 team due to a thigh injury but recently impressed with a goal in the Champions League.
The French team, led by Didier Deschamps, remains focused on their qualifying campaign, with goal difference expected to be a critical factor should points be tied. The combination of their match results in October and other Group D outcomes will determine if their journey to the 2026 World Cup can be confirmed this week or delayed until November.