Match Preview for Iceland v France
France will look to maintain their perfect record in Group D as they travel to face Iceland in Monday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Didier Deschamps’s team currently top the group with nine points from three games, while Iceland sit third – one point behind second-placed Ukraine in the chase for a play-off berth.
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 defeat 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 famously qualified for the 2018 World Cup but missed out on the 2022 edition. Head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s side close their group campaign next month with games against Azerbaijan and Ukraine – making any points against France a welcome bonus.
Team news for Iceland v France
Iceland will be without forward Andri Gudjohnsen, who is suspended after accumulating too many bookings, a major loss given his tally of 10 goals in 36 international appearances. His absence could open the door for Daniel Gudjohnsen to start up front.
Despite Friday’s defeat, Gunnlaugsson is expected to keep faith with most of the same lineup, with Victor Palsson and Albert Gudmundsson set to retain their places in midfield and attack respectively.
France, on the other hand, are dealing with a series of key absences. Kylian Mbappe (ankle injury) and Ibrahima Konate (thigh issue) will both sit out and return to their clubs, Real Madrid and Liverpool, for recovery. Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele are also unavailable.
In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni remains suspended, so Adrien Rabiot is expected to keep his spot. Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta could be handed his first senior start for the national team.
Expected line-ups for Iceland v France
Iceland: Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Ellertsson; Gudmundsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson; Magnusson, D. Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; K. Thuram, Rabiot; Coman, Olise, Ekitike; Mateta
How to watch Iceland v France: TV channel, online stream
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch Iceland v France live on Viaplay Sports, with kick-off scheduled for Monday evening.
The stats for Iceland v France
- France have never lost to Iceland in 16 previous meetings, winning 12 and drawing 4
- The last encounter between the two sides ended 2-1 to France, with Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola finding the net
- Iceland have conceded two or more goals in each of their last three matches across all competitions
- France have kept two clean sheets in their opening three World Cup qualifiers
- Les Bleus have scored at least twice in seven of their last eight competitive fixtures
- Iceland have won just one of their previous six international matches (W1, L5)
- France are unbeaten in their last nine qualifiers for major tournaments
- Iceland’s last home win against a top-10 FIFA-ranked nation came back in 2020
- Didier Deschamps’s side have averaged 2.6 goals per game in their last five outings
- Iceland have conceded 10 goals in their last three qualifiers – the most in Group D
Prediction
Despite a number of injuries and suspensions, France’s squad depth should see them through what could be a difficult away test.
Iceland will likely battle hard in front of their fans, but Deschamps’s men have enough quality to grind out another three points and maintain their 100% record in Group D.
Prediction: Iceland 1–2 France
