Malard, Picaud-Inconnu, Katoto, De Almeida, the winners and losers of France’s 2027 qualifying | OneFootball

The Bleues booked direct passage to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil with a 1-0 defeat of the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday. L'Équipe highlights the campaign's winners and losers.

Melvine Malard struck the winner and finished as France's leading qualifier scorer with four. The Manchester United forward said trust from the coach fuels her and places must still be earned.

Constance Picaud-Inconnu moved beyond back-up status with a standout display against Ireland. Laurent Bonadei has not promised a reshuffle, yet her form, lauded by Mylène Chavas, has sharpened the goalkeeping debate.

Alice Sombath excelled at right-back in the final two games, helping deliver successive clean sheets after 13 straight matches conceding. Thiniba Samoura, who had featured often, was sent off on 72 minutes against Ireland.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored three in six, starting against Poland in Dijon, a 4-1 win with a brace, and netting in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. She later lost her starting place and now has a year to regain top form.

At 34, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin is under pressure. A move to Denver with limited minutes, plus Picaud-Inconnu's performances in camp and Chavas's club form, has altered the hierarchy, Bonadei noting her lack of game time.

Elisa de Almeida's drop is the starkest. She started only in the 2-1 win in Ireland and the 1-1 with the Netherlands in Auxerre, then was overtaken by Sombath and seemingly Melween N'Dongala.

Source: L'Équipe