France manager Didier Deschamps highlighted the attacking potential of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Hugo Ekitike after the national team secured a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Having already qualified for next year’s tournament with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, France fielded a largely second-string lineup in Baku. Despite a shaky start, they overcame an early goal from Renat Dadashov to claim the win and finish top of Group D with 16 points from six games.

Goals from Crystal Palace’s Mateta and AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, along with an own goal by Azerbaijan’s Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev, helped France turn the game around.

“We average a little over two goals per match, which is very good,” Deschamps said. “Mateta was making only his second start for us, and he scored a lovely header. That’s great for both him and the team.”

Deschamps also praised Ekitike’s dynamism and work rate.

“Ekitike is gaining confidence too. He’s a young player with lots of energy and speed, able to get around the pitch and penetrate defenses. They’re two more options to consider for our attack going forward.”

The 2026 World Cup in North America will mark France’s 17th appearance in the tournament, which they last won in 2018.