Iceland-France match preview
France will look to maintain their perfect record in Group D as they take on Iceland on Monday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Didier Deschamps’ side currently top the group with nine points from three matches, while Iceland sit third, one point behind second-placed Ukraine in the play-off race.
Iceland began their qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Azerbaijan, but have since suffered back-to-back defeats: a 2-1 loss to 10-man France last month and a 5-3 home loss to Ukraine on Friday.
Despite the recent setback, they remain within striking distance of the top two and will be desperate to produce a response in front of their home crowd.
The Nordic nation qualified for the 2018 World Cup but missed out on the 2022 edition. The team led by coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson will close their group campaign next month with matches against Azerbaijan and Ukraine – making any points against France a welcome bonus.
Team news for Iceland vs France
Iceland will be without striker Andri Gudjohnsen, suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards, a significant loss considering his total of 10 goals in 36 international matches. His absence could open the door for Daniel Gudjohnsen to start up front.
Despite Friday’s defeat, Gunnlaugsson is expected to keep faith in many of the same players, with Victor Palsson and Albert Gudmundsson expected to retain their places in midfield and attack respectively.
France, on the other hand, faces a series of key absences. Kylian Mbappe (ankle injury) and Ibrahima Konate (thigh problem) will both miss out and return to their clubs Real Madrid and Liverpool to recover. Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele are also unavailable.
In midfield, Aurélien Tchouameni remains suspended, Adrien Rabiot should therefore keep his place. Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta could land his first senior start in the national team.
Expected line-ups for the Iceland-France match
Iceland: Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Ellertsson; Gudmundsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson; Magnusson, D. Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson
France: Magnan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernández; K. Thuram, Rabiot; Coman, Olise, Ekitike; Mateta
How to watch Iceland vs France: TV channel, online streaming
UK fans can watch Iceland v France live on Viaplay Sports, with kick-off scheduled for Monday evening.
The stats of the Iceland – France match
- France have never lost to Iceland in 16 previous meetings, with 12 wins and 4 draws.
- The last meeting between the two teams ended 2-1 against France, with Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola finding the net.
- Iceland have conceded two or more goals in each of their last three matches in all competitions.
- France has kept two clean sheets in its first three World Cup qualifiers
- Les Bleus have scored at least twice in seven of their last eight competitive matches
- Iceland have won only one of their last six international matches (1 win, 5 losses).
- France is undefeated in its last nine major tournament qualifiers
- Iceland’s last home victory against a FIFA top 10 nation was in 2020.
- Didier Deschamps’ team have averaged 2.6 goals per game in their last five outings.
- Iceland have conceded 10 goals in their last three qualifying matches – the most in Group D
Prediction
Despite a number of injuries and suspensions, the depth of the France squad should see them through what could be a tough test away from home.
Iceland will probably fight hard in front of their supporters, but Deschamps’ men have enough quality to grab three more points and maintain their 100% record in Group D.
Prediction: Iceland 1–2 France
