FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Matchday 4, 10/10/25France have been held to an away draw in Iceland, thus delaying their qualification for the 2026 World Cup . Les Bleus trailed until Christopher Nkunku a...
FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Matchday 4, 10/10/25
France have been held to an away draw in Iceland, thus delaying their qualification for the 2026 World Cup . Les Bleus trailed until Christopher Nkunku and Jean-Philippe Mateta scored back-to-back goals, but another defensive lapse in concentration allowed the hosts a way back into the game.
The Match
Contrary to last Friday’s game against Azerbaijan, the first half was quite eventful at Reykjavik as Didier Deschamps’ revamped attack threatened Iceland two minutes in. Michael Olise’s flicked-on corner kick was met at the far post by Christopher Nkunku, but the Milan striker could only shoot straight at Elías Ólafsson.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was surprisingly given the nod instead of Hugo Ekitike in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, initially struggled to make his mark in his first start for Les Bleus. The Crystal Palace centre-forward notably missed a header and skewed a left-footer away from goal after some excellent work from his former Palace teammate, Michael Olise.
The Bayern Munich winger also went close on his own when Olafsson parried away his venomous free-kick, but Iceland had some free-kick tricks up their sleeves too. After William Saliba needlessly fouled Saevar Magnusson on France’s right side, Les Bleus could not deal with Albert Gudmundsson’s low delivery and the unmarked Victor Pálsson needed two touches to prod it home – a very poor goal to concede.
Like in September, France trailed Iceland, but this time, they could not rely on Mbappé to restore parity just before half-time. They were close to doing so, but Olise’s header was brilliantly saved by Olafsson and Mateta directed the follow-up into Elertsson’s elbow.
France continued to knock on Iceland’s door, but both Thauvin and Nkunku continued to squander chances. Both players were primed to be hooked until the Milan striker took matters into his own quick feet. He gathered the ball on the left, cut inside and directed a clinical low right-footer into the bottom left corner.
Five minutes later, France would turn the game around. Eduardo Camavinga split open Iceland’s defense for Maghnes Akliouche – who replaced Thauvin – whose across-the-goal pass was slid home by Mateta. Les Bleus were then guilty of complacency, surrendering their lead in an instant and letting Albert Gudmunsson and Kristian Hlynsson have a free run at goal, the latter restored parity.
Despite the introductions of Kingsley Coman and Hugo Ekitike, France could only grab a single point from their Iceland trip. Les Bleus have to wait for November to book their ticket for the World Cup. They will host Ukraine for what could be the deciding tie.
France player ratings
Mike Maignan – 4
A disappointing evening from the Milan goalkeeper as Iceland punished France’s defensive mistakes with two forays forward. In the end, he made little to no difference.
Jules Koundé – 4
William Saliba – 4
Dayot Upamecano – 4
Lucas Digne – 5
Manu Koné – 6
The AS Roma midfielder is quietly making himself invaluable for Les Bleus. The tireless Koné looks to have nailed down his spot for the World Cup in Deschamps’ double pivot.
Eduardo Camavinga – 5
Michael Olise – 6
Florian Thauvin – 3
Thauvin’s feel-good story with France has hit a stumbling block. The RC Lens winger lost countless balls and his decision-making was poor.
Christopher Nkunku – 5
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 5
The Crystal Palace centre-forward was given the nod by Didier Deschamps, presumably in a bid to match Iceland’s physicality at the back and provide a focal point to the wingers. Initially a hard man to find, he skewed several clear-cut chances, but he kept on going and gave France the lead in tackling Maghnes Akliouche’s inspired pass across the goal.
Category: General Sports
