France Under-21s can step into Tuesday’s meeting with Switzerland with the hard work already done. Qualification for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship is secure after a turbulent 3-2 win over Luxembourg, leaving the final Group C fixture without any bearing on first place.
Quick facts
- France Under-21s have qualified for the European Under-21 Championship.
- The final Group C match against Switzerland will be played on Tuesday.
- France remain unbeaten in the qualifying campaign.
- Steve Ngoura scored twice against Luxembourg, in the 10th and 25th minutes.
- Mathys Tel struck the decisive third goal in a 3-2 victory.
- The finals will run from 17 June to 4 July in Albania and Serbia.
The match had initially appeared likely to decide the group, but Switzerland’s 5-1 defeat to Iceland on the previous matchday changed the picture. That result opened France’s route to qualification and removed the prospect of a winner-takes-first-place showdown with their neighbours.
France still had to finish the job against Luxembourg last Saturday. They needed only a draw to guarantee top spot, but the evening became far less comfortable than the early stages suggested.
Ngoura put the hosts in control with goals after 10 and 25 minutes. The contest turned shortly after the break, however, when Joane Gadou was sent off in the 51st minute.
Luxembourg immediately used their numerical advantage, scoring in the 52nd minute before drawing level in the 68th. With France suddenly under pressure, Tel restored the lead 10 minutes later to seal the 3-2 result and confirm the ticket to the finals.
The Swiss fixture now offers France a final opportunity to close an unbeaten qualifying campaign cleanly, with no qualification anxiety left hanging over the squad. Attention can then begin to shift towards next summer’s tournament in Albania and Serbia.
