Overview
The French team will aim to avoid a trip in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when hosting Iceland at Parc des Princes in Group D.
Both teams currently have 3 points after the opening match. Les Bleus beat Ukraine 2-0, while Iceland beat Azerbaijan 5-0 on the same day.
The French team was somewhat lucky to keep a clean sheet against Ukraine. They let their opponents create up to four clear chances, hit the goal and missed many good situations in the penalty area.
This victory was not enough to appease the frequent criticism of coach Didier Deschamps. Many opinions said that his playing style has not fully exploited the potential of the stars in the squad.
Les Bleus are still a top force in Europe. They won the 2022 World Cup runner-up position, stopped in the EURO 2024 semi-finals against the Spanish champions, and ranked third in the 2024-2025 Nations League. However, since taking over in 2012, Deschamps has only won one major trophy.
The home team is maintaining impressive form in attack. They have scored 2 or more goals in 8/10 recent matches and kept a clean sheet in 3/4 recent matches.
Les Bleus' last 2 matches have ended with a 2-0 victory, although they had previously won only 2, drawn 1 and lost 2 in 5 consecutive matches. At home, France won 3, drew 1 and lost 1 in the last 5 matches.
Meanwhile, Iceland scored just one goal against Azerbaijan in the first 45 minutes. However, they deserved to be recognized for their solid defensive performance, not allowing their opponent to launch any shots in the second half.
In terms of head-to-head record, Iceland have never won against France in 15 meetings. Since 2012, they have lost 4 and drawn 1 after 5 encounters with their opponents.
Coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson, appointed in January 2025, is trying to rebuild this team. However, Iceland have conceded seven in just five games under him.
However, they also showed positive signs with 2 wins in the last 3 matches, scoring a total of 8 goals and conceding only once.
Foreign, Iceland's form is still quite unstable, having lost 3/4 of their recent matches.
Personnel situation
The French team will be forced to make at least one change to the squad compared to the victory over Ukraine. Young talent Desire Doue is injured and Hugo Ekitike will likely be given the opportunity to start.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise are all sure to continue to feature. This trio will together create a fast and innovative attack.
Les Bleus' midfield is likely to be a combination of Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni. They will play right in front of the central defender duo Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano.
On the other side of the front line, Iceland have almost no reason to change after a 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan. Coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson will likely continue to rely on the tri-play defense with Victor Palsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason and Daniel Gretarsson.
In midfield, Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Isak Bergmann Johannesson will take on the role of supporting striker Andri Gudjohnsen. This striker is currently the biggest hope in the attack of the away team.
Expected lineup:
France: Maignan, Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, Digne, Tchouameni, Kone, Ekitike, Olise, Barcola, Mbappe.
Iceland: Olafsson, Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, thorsteinsson, Thordarson, Johannesson, Ellertsson, Haraldsson, Gudjohnsen, Gudmundsson.
The match between France and Iceland takes place at 1:45 am on September 10 (Vietnam time).
