France vs Iceland: 2026 World Cup Qualifier Preview
France will look to maintain their perfect start in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face Iceland on Monday. Didier Deschamps’s team currently sit at the top of the group with nine points from three matches. Iceland, meanwhile, are in third place, one point behind Ukraine, who occupy the playoff spot.
Both teams have a lot at stake. France want to continue their winning momentum, while Iceland aim to make history by securing a positive result against the two-time world champions.
France Vs Iceland Match Preview
Iceland began their 2026 qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Azerbaijan but lost 2-1 to a 10-man French side last month. They then suffered a 5-3 home defeat to Ukraine on Friday, which put them just one point behind second place in Group D.
France, on the other hand, are in strong form. Their last match saw them beat Azerbaijan 3-0, with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Adrien Rabiot, and Florian Thauvin. With nine points from three games, France look firmly on track to top the group.
Historically, Iceland have never beaten France, losing 12 and drawing four of their 16 encounters since 1957. France have won the last three matches between the sides, including a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture last month.
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Iceland
Iceland will miss Andri Gudjohnsen due to suspension. The striker has scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for his country, and his absence is a significant blow. Daniel Gudjohnsen could take his place in the attack.
Head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson is expected to stick with a similar lineup to previous matches. Key players like Victor Palsson and Albert Gudmundsson are likely to start again.
Possible Iceland Lineup:
Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Ellertsson; Gudmundsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson; Magnusson, D Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson
France
France face a number of absences. Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate are out due to injury, while Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele will also miss the match. Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended.
Jean-Philippe Mateta may make his full international debut as France look to fill the gaps in attack. Despite these absences, France remain favorites to secure all three points.
Possible France Lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernandez; K Thuram, Rabiot; Coman, Olise, Ekitike; Mateta
Form Guide
Iceland (World Cup Qualifying – Europe): WLL
Iceland (All Competitions): LWLWLL
France (World Cup Qualifying – Europe): WWW
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France (All Competitions): WLWWWW
Match Predictions
France will face a tough challenge without several key players, but their depth and quality should help them secure victory. We predict a 2-1 win for France, continuing their unbeaten run in Group D.
FAQs
Q1. When and where is the France vs Iceland match?
A. The match will be played on Monday as part of the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers.
Q2. What is the current Group D standing?
A. France are top with nine points from three games. Iceland are third, one point behind Ukraine in second.
Q3. Who are the key players missing for France?
A. Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Aurelien Tchouameni are all unavailable.
Q4. Has Iceland ever beaten France?
A. No. Iceland have never won against France, with 12 losses and four draws in 16 encounters.
Q5. Who could make his full international debut for France?
A. Jean-Philippe Mateta may make his full international debut as a centre-forward.
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