France vs Iceland – European Qualifiers 2026 ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw that shocked fans worldwide

France vs Iceland – European Qualifiers 2026 ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw that shocked fans worldwide.

France vs Iceland – European Qualifiers 2026 Overview

The France vs Iceland showdown in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers turned into a thrilling contest that ended 2-2 in Reykjavik. Despite being the stronger team on paper, Didier Deschamps’ France looked far from their best without Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. Iceland, ranked far below in the standings, produced one of the most courageous performances of the European Qualifiers 2026, proving that no side can be taken lightly in the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

France still sit at the top of their FIFA World Cup 2026 group, but their perfect record is now gone. Meanwhile, Iceland earned a vital point that keeps their qualification hopes alive.

First-Half, Iceland Shock France Early

The match began with France controlling possession, and within just three minutes, Christopher Nkunku had a golden chance to open the scoring, but Iceland’s goalkeeper Elias Olafsson made a brilliant save. Iceland slowly grew into the game and stunned France in the 39th minute.

A poorly defended free-kick saw the ball bounce around in the box, and Victor Pálsson was quickest to react, poking it beyond Mike Maignan to give Iceland a 1-0 lead. France tried to respond quickly — Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta both came close, but Olafsson’s heroics and Iceland’s brave defending kept the scoreline intact before halftime.

At the break, Iceland led 1-0, and France looked frustrated and lost without their talisman Mbappe.

Second-Half, France Fight Back But Iceland Stay Strong

Deschamps’ side returned from halftime with more urgency. Nkunku, who had missed a few chances earlier, finally found his rhythm. In the 63rd minute, the forward cut in from the left and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Just five minutes later, substitute Maghnes Akliouche delivered a pinpoint cross for Mateta, who tapped it in to give France a 2-1 lead — his first international goal.

But Iceland refused to back down. Barely a minute after France took the lead, Albert Gudmundsson sprinted past the French defence and assisted Kristian Hlynsson, who smashed the ball into the top corner to make it 2-2. The Icelandic crowd erupted, and from there, both teams pushed for a winner but had to settle for a draw.

Key Moments in France vs Iceland – European Qualifiers 2026

3rd Minute: Nkunku’s early chance saved by Olafsson.
39th Minute: Victor Pálsson gives Iceland the lead after France fail to clear a set-piece.
63rd Minute: Nkunku scores a beautiful equaliser for France.
68th Minute: Mateta scores his first international goal to make it 2-1.
70th Minute: Hlynsson equalises immediately for Iceland.

Full Time: Iceland 2-2 France — a game full of drama, pace, and missed chances.

France Player Ratings

Mike Maignan (4/10)

A night to forget. Should’ve been more decisive on both Iceland goals and looked uncertain throughout.

Jules Kounde (4/10)

Lost his defensive position on multiple occasions. His lack of awareness hurt France.

Dayot Upamecano (4/10)

Struggled to clear Iceland’s set-pieces and was easily outpaced for the second goal.

William Saliba (5/10)

Conceded the free-kick that led to the opener. Looked nervous despite his usual composure.

Lucas Digne (6/10)

Energetic going forward, even attempting a shot from halfway, but not reliable enough defensively.

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10)

At fault for Iceland’s first goal and picked up a yellow card. Decent passing but lacked defensive control.

Manu Koné (6/10)

Calm under pressure and solid in midfield. Helped France regain possession several times.

Florian Thauvin (6/10)

Creative with crosses and almost scored an overhead kick, but faded in the second half.

Michael Olise (7/10)

France’s most dangerous attacker. Constantly tested the Icelandic defence with his dribbles and deliveries.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (6/10)

Missed a few chances but scored his first France goal. Worked hard but clearly not on Mbappe’s level.

Christopher Nkunku (7/10)

Missed early chances but redeemed himself with a stunning equaliser. France’s best attacker on the night.

Substitutes

Maghnes Akliouche (7/10)

Set up Mateta’s goal brilliantly.

Khephren Thuram (6/10)

Added energy in midfield.

Kingsley Coman (6/10)

Showed flashes of skill but lacked end product.

Manager

Didier Deschamps (4/10)

His experimental lineup failed to deliver. The absence of Mbappe highlighted France’s over-reliance on their star man.

Iceland Deserve Credit

Iceland’s brave performance showed their determination to remain relevant in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Goalkeeper Elias Olafsson was outstanding, making several crucial saves. Their defensive setup frustrated France, while the attack, led by Gudmundsson and Hlynsson, made the most of their chances. This result gives Iceland a valuable point and keeps them in contention within their FIFA World Cup 2026 group.

Group D Standings – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

France remain top of Group D with 10 points, followed by Ukraine and Iceland, who are still within striking distance. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification teams from Europe will be decided after the final rounds, but Iceland’s performance in Reykjavik proves they’re not out of the race yet.

Standings

Position	Team	Points	Played	GD
1	France	10	4	+6
2	Ukraine	7	4	+3
3	Iceland	4	4	0

The FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures continue next month, with France facing a tough trip to Ukraine and Iceland meeting Lithuania.

Conclusion: No Mbappe, No Party

The France vs Iceland draw highlighted just how vital Kylian Mbappe is for Didier Deschamps’ side. Without him, France lacked creativity and killer instinct in the European Qualifiers 2026. Iceland, on the other hand, showed heart, structure, and determination — and their fans will remember this night for years.

France may still be among the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualified teams, but matches like this serve as a reminder that even football giants can stumble.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers continue, all eyes will be on how France bounce back and whether Iceland can keep their fairytale alive.

For more sports-related content, visit Prosportsio.com, your trusted hub for Football Blogging, where we dive deep into the world of football and beyond.