An injury-hit France were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Monday. Despite missing several key players, the French side managed to secure a point in Reykjavik but missed the chance to confirm their place in next year’s finals.
France, the 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up, were without captain Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, both sidelined due to injuries. The absence of these star players was clearly felt as injury-hit France struggled to find rhythm against a determined Icelandic side.
Victor Palsson gave Iceland the lead late in the first half, taking advantage of France’s defensive lapse. However, Christopher Nkunku equalised for Les Bleus shortly after the hour mark. Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta then scored his first international goal to put France ahead midway through the second half.
Their lead was short-lived as FC Twente’s Kristian Hlynsson ran through the French defense almost immediately to make it 2-2. The result leaves injury-hit France three points clear at the top of Group D, but they will now need to wait until next month to secure qualification.
At the same time, Ukraine defeated Azerbaijan 2-1 in Krakow, delaying France’s qualification hopes. France coach Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment after the match, saying, “We totally controlled the game. Iceland had two shots on target and scored two goals. But we have another point on the board, and next month will be decisive.”
Elsewhere, Germany continued their good form with a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland, thanks to a Nick Woltemade header. Belgium moved closer to qualification with a 4-2 win against Wales, while Switzerland were forced to wait after a goalless draw with Slovenia.
Despite their setbacks, injury-hit France remain favorites to finish top of Group D. A home win against Ukraine in Paris next month will confirm their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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