Until then, the author of a perfect performance, the France team missed the opportunity to take a big step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Monday during their match in Iceland. Certainly, Didier Deschamps composed without his star captain Kylian Mbappé, who broke the deadlock against Azerbaijan last Friday, but the Blues should have largely done better in the game on the Reykjavik field. This was not the case.
By taking only one point on the Nordic island (2-2), France is only three points ahead of Ukraine at the top of group D, before hosting the Ukrainians on November 13 at the Parc des Princes. The 2022 world vice-champions remain in a strong position as they will conclude their qualifying campaign in Azerbaijan. They will first have the opportunity to celebrate “America” in front of their home crowd if they do not lose to Ukraine. At the same time, the Ukrainians “only” won 2-1 against the Azeris. They will therefore be obliged to win in Paris to maintain the suspense in this group. Only a 3-0 victory would allow them to overtake France on goal difference before their last match against the Icelanders…
Nkunku and Akliouche wake up the Blues
Iceland was also a valiant opponent for this very poor French team this Monday evening. Facing the Blues who were not very dangerous, led by a discreet Michael Olise in 10, the locals gained confidence and opened the scoring before half-time. After a mix-up by Eduardo Camavinga, defender Victor Palsson tackled the ball to send it into the back of Mike Maignan's net (39th).
The Blues first reversed the situation in five minutes. First on an individual action from Christopher Nkunku, who crossed from the left to score in force (63rd). Then Maghnes Akliouche, who had just replaced Florian Thauvin, perfectly found Jean-Philippe Mateta for his first international goal (68th).
But the French team gave up almost at the kick-off! The four French defenders found themselves far too high (Jules Koundé played offside like at Barça while Dayot Upamecano sprinted towards his goal), which allowed Albert Gudmundsson to escape and serve Kristian Hlynsson for 2-2 (70th). With Kingley Coman then Hugo Ekitiké coming off the bench, the Blues did not force the Icelandic lock at the end of the game. Qualification will wait. Great football too…
