The Blues continue their flawless performance in these 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Traveling to Iceland this Saturday, the French team wants to validate a fourth victory in as many matches and establish its domination over group D. The match, broadcast live at 8:45 p.m., nevertheless promises to be special: with an avalanche of absentees and a largely reshuffled team, Didier Deschamps will have to show adaptation. On the Icelandic side, the defeat against Ukraine (3-5) weakened hopes, but everything remains playable for a place in the play-offs.
A rejuvenated but ambitious French team
Deprived of Mbappé, Barcola, Dembélé or even Kolo Muani, France is moving forward with an unprecedented offensive sector. Jean-Philippe Mateta should celebrate his first start up front, accompanied by Olise and probably Thauvin or Akliouche on the wings. In the middle, Manu Koné makes his return, while Camavinga could replace the uncertain Rabiot. In defense, the full-backs Digne and Koundé are expected from the start. Despite the lack of automation, Deschamps is confident: “There will be less experience, but the same desire to go for points. »
The Blues can take another big step towards the World Cup this Monday.
Iceland wants to believe in the feat
Despite its current 3rd place, Iceland remains within reach of the jump-off, one point behind Ukraine. She hopes to create a surprise against a diminished France, even if the history does not work in her favor: 12 defeats and 4 draws in 16 confrontations. Beaten 2-1 in the first leg despite numerical superiority, Arnar Gunnlaugsson's selection will have to be more realistic. Its last two defeats, against France then against Ukraine, revealed glaring defensive shortcomings.
Blues still undefeated in qualifying since 2019
Since a defeat in Türkiye in June 2019, France has not lost a single qualifying match under the Deschamps era. A series that the Tricolores want to extend despite the numerous packages. With nine points from three games, they are ideally poised to secure first place. All that remains is to overcome the Icelandic obstacle without a misstep, before thinking about the November deadlines.
🗓️ Practical information: Iceland vs France |
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|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Monday October 13, 2025 |
| 🕘 Time | 8:45 p.m. (French time) |
| 🏟️ Stadium | Laugardalsvöllur (Reykjavik) |
| 📺 Broadcaster in France | TF1 |
| 💻 Streaming in France | TF1+, Molotov |
| 🏆 Competition | 2026 World Cup Qualifiers – Europe Zone (Group D) |
The eleven of the Iceland – France match
Iceland: Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Ellertsson; Gudmundsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson; Magnusson, D Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson.
France: Maignan (cap.) – Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne – Ma. Koné, Rabiot or Camavinga – Olise, Thauvin, Nkunku – Mateta.
🌍 On which channel to follow Iceland – France |
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|---|---|
| 🇫🇷France | TF1, TF1+, Molotov |
| 🌍MENA | BeIN Sports MENA 2, BeIN Connect, TOD |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | DAZN |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Sports TV 1 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Sky Sport Uno |
| 🇧🇦 Balkans | Arena Premium 1 |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | Digi Sport 1 |
