Newcastle United midfielder Aladji Bamba helped France Under-21s qualify for Euro 2027 as they survived a second-half scare to beat Luxembourg 3-2 on Saturday.
Bamba started in midfield and played 80 minutes in Orléans, with Mathys Tel scoring the winner after the hosts surrendered a two-goal lead.
The French federation’s official report confirms France secured their place at next summer’s tournament in Albania and Serbia with one qualifying match remaining.
Steve Ngoura’s first-half double had put Gérald Baticle’s side in control. However, Joane Gadou’s dismissal changed the contest and Ivan Englaro scored twice to bring Luxembourg level.
Tel restored France’s advantage in the 76th minute. Bamba then made way for Kévin Danois as the hosts protected their lead.
Aladji Bamba builds on France U21 breakthrough
The appearance followed an encouraging debut against Estonia earlier in the international window.
Newcastle’s international round-up confirmed Bamba supplied an assist and completed 90 minutes in that 2-0 victory.
Consecutive starts now give the midfielder further competitive experience to take back to Tyneside.
Qualification also gives him a target for the season ahead: retaining his place in France’s plans for the finals. Helping secure their passage does not guarantee tournament selection, but these opportunities provide a useful platform.
France conclude their qualifying campaign against Switzerland on Tuesday, 6 October, another fixture covered in our Newcastle international tracker.
