Presentation of the match between Iceland and France
France will look to maintain its perfect record in Group D when it travels to face Iceland in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday.
Didier Deschamps’ side currently lead the group with nine points from three matches, while Iceland are third, one point behind second-placed Ukraine, in their bid for a play-off place.
Iceland began their qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Azerbaijan, but have since suffered two consecutive defeats: a 2-1 loss to ten-man France last month, and a 5-3 defeat at home to Ukraine on Friday.
Despite the latest setback, they are still within striking distance of the top two and will be desperate to give a reaction in front of their home crowd.
The Nordic nation qualified for the 2018 World Cup finals but missed out on the 2022 edition. Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s side conclude their group stage campaign next month with matches against Azerbaijan and Ukraine, making any points against France a welcome bonus.
Team news for the match between Iceland and France
Iceland will be without striker Andre Gudjohnsen, who has been suspended due to receiving several warnings, which is a big loss considering his tally of 10 goals in 36 international matches. His absence could open the door for Daniel Gudjohnsen to start attacking.
Despite Friday’s defeat, Gunnlaugsson is expected to keep his faith in most of the same lineup, with Viktor Pallsson and Albert Gudmundsson set to keep their places in midfield and attack respectively.
France, on the other hand, faces a series of key absences. Kylian Mbappé (ankle injury) and Ibrahim Konate (hip problem) will be absent and will return to their clubs, Real Madrid and Liverpool, to recover. Bradley Barkola, Marcus Thuram, Desiree Doe, and Ousmane Dembélé are also unavailable.
In midfield, Aurelien Chouamini remains suspended, so Adrien Rabiot is expected to keep his place. Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta could get his first start for the national team.
The expected lineup for the match between Iceland and France
Iceland: Olafsson. Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Ellertsson; Gudmundsson, Johansson, Haraldsson; Magnusson, D. Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson
France: Magnan. Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Te Hernandez; Thuram, Rabiot; Koman, Ulysses, Ikitiki; Mattita
How to watch Iceland vs France: TV channel, stream online
Fans in the UK can watch Iceland vs France live on Viaplay Sports, with the match scheduled to kick off on Monday evening.
Iceland vs France match statistics
- France has never lost to Iceland in 16 previous matches, winning 12 and drawing 4
- The last confrontation between the two teams ended with a score of 2-1 against France, with Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barkola scoring in the net.
- Iceland have conceded two or more goals in each of their last three matches in all competitions
- France have kept two clean sheets in their first three World Cup qualifying matches
- The French national team has scored at least two goals in seven of its last eight competitive matches
- Iceland have won just once in their previous six international matches (W1, L5)
- France has not been defeated in its last nine qualifying matches for major tournaments
- Iceland’s last home win against a country in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings dates back to 2020
- Didier Deschamps’ side have averaged 2.6 goals per game in their last five matches
- 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 France’s squad should help them in a tough away test.
Iceland are likely to fight hard in front of their home fans, but Deschamps’ men have enough quality to pick up another three points and maintain their perfect record in Group D.
Prediction: Iceland 1-2 France
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