Reykjavik, this Monday evening, could make history. The French team travels to Iceland with a seemingly simple mission: to win. But behind this obligatory victory hides a more complex scenario, where the Blues are not completely masters of their destiny. Three wins in three matches, nine points on the clock. The numbers are there, but qualification for the 2026 World Cup has not yet been achieved. To get their ticket this evening, two days in advance, the planets will have to align.
A reshuffled French team for a crucial meeting
The formula is known: beat Iceland, and hope that Ukraine does not win against Azerbaijan in the simultaneous match in Krakow. If these two conditions are met, France would increase its lead to seven or eight points over the Ukrainians, with only six points to distribute during the last two days of November. Mathematically impossible to catch up. The ticket would be validated, without waiting, without shaking.
Didier Deschamps will have to cope without Mbappé, injured in the ankle and returned to Madrid, nor Ibrahima Konaté. Mike Maignan recovers the armband. In attack, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Christopher Nkunku are announced. An unusual composition for a match that is not. But the history is reassuring: sixteen confrontations against Iceland, never a defeat. And above all, twenty-seven matches in a row without losing in the playoffs. The confidence is there.
Deschamps' France can qualify this evening in the event of a combination of favorable circumstances.
Switzerland also in the game
The Blues are not alone in this race for express qualification. Switzerland, also undefeated with nine points, can validate its ticket this Monday in the event of a victory in Slovenia, provided that Kosovo does not win in Sweden. Two nations, two parallel scenarios. Germany, Portugal or England will have to wait. November will be their month of truth.
Kick-off is at 8:45 p.m. A French victory, a Ukrainian draw, and the road to North America would be open. It remains to be seen whether the Blues will seize the opportunity. We know the song: in football, nothing is ever certain before the final whistle.
