Iceland delays France World Cup party

Iceland succeeded in holding France to a 2-2 draw, as their hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup depends on their next game.

The hosts had gone ahead through Victor Pálsson before the former world champions restored parity through Christopher Nkunku.

Les Bleus turned it around when Jean-Philippe Mateta put them ahead.

Their thoughts of a World Cup celebration party were dashed after Kristian Hlynsson restored parity a few minutes later.

Having eventually turned it around, France will be blaming themselves for the defensive lapses that eventually led to the equalizer that delayed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. 

Both sides provided an eventful first half, contrary to last Friday’s game against Azerbaijan.

At Reykjavik, Didier Deschamps revamped his attack and France threatened Iceland two minutes into the game. 

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise flicked on a corner kick that was met at the far post by Christopher Nkunku, whose shot was straight at Elías Ólafsson.

In his first start for Les Bleus, Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was given the nod instead of Hugo Ekitike in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, initially struggled as he missed a header and skewed a left-footer away from goal after some excellent work from Olise.

The Bayern Munich winger almost put France in front with a solo performance as his shot was parried away by Olafsson from his venomous free-kick.

But it was Iceland that went ahead, pulling up some free-kick tricks. After William Saliba needlessly fell Saevar Magnusson on France’s right side, leading to a free kick, Les Bleus could not deal with Albert Gudmundsson’s low delivery, and the unmarked Victor Pálsson needed two touches to prod it home.

It was almost looking like the first leg encounter in September, where France trailed Iceland, but this time, they could not rely on Mbappé to restore parity just before half-time.

Olise again was close to doing so, but his header was brilliantly saved by Olafsson, and Mateta directed the follow-up into Elertsson’s elbow.

France continued their relentless attack in the second half, but Thauvin and Nkunku squandered chances. 

But the eventual restored parity when the AC Milan striker took matters into his own quick feet as he gathered the ball on the left, cut inside and directed a clinical low right-footer into the bottom left corner.

France then turned it around five minutes later. Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga released a split pass that opened Iceland’s defence for substitute Maghnes Akliouche, who released an across-the-goal pass slid home by Mateta for his first senior national team goal.

Les Bleus were then punished for complacency, surrendering their lead within two minutes as they allowed Albert Gudmunsson and  Hlynsson to have a free run at goal, with the latter restoring parity.

Despite the introductions of Kingsley Coman and Hugo Ekitike, France could not get a winner.

This means Les Bleus have to wait for November to book their ticket for the World Cup, when they will host Ukraine for what could be the deciding tie.