In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, France will take on Iceland at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Here’s a look at how this match is expected to unfold.
Match Preview
France has started their qualifying campaign strongly, winning against Ukraine and demonstrating their ability to lead the group. Under coach Didier Deschamps, they have won their last four qualifiers and maintained clean sheets in each match. The team’s solid defense is complemented by an energetic attack spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé.
Playing at home gives France a significant advantage, as they typically perform well at the Parc des Princes, suffering few losses in recent qualifying rounds. The midfield duo of Tchouaméni and Koné adds stability, while Mbappé, along with Barcola and Doué, poses a threat to any defense. Fans in Paris are looking forward to an exciting performance from their team.
Iceland made a strong start by defeating Azerbaijan 5-0, temporarily placing them at the top of their group. Coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s team has shown resilience, despite some challenges in the Nations League. Iceland’s strengths lie in their physical play and organized defense.
However, Iceland has struggled away, winning only 3 of their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches on the road. Still, players like Gudmundsson and Gudjohnsen can create problems, even for strong opponents. They will aim to exploit counterattacks and set pieces to challenge the favorites in Paris.
Probable Lineups
- France: Maignan; Digne, Koundé, Konaté, Upamecano; Koné, Tchouaméni; Barcola, Olise, Doué; Mbappé
- Iceland: Olafsson; Ingason, Pálsson, Ellertsson, Gretarsson; Thordarson, Jóhannesson, Haraldsson; Gudmundsson, Thorsteinsson, Gudjohnsen
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- France is unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches.
- Iceland has won only 3 of their last 13 away games in World Cup qualifiers.
- In the last decade, France has beaten Iceland three times in official competitions.
Prediction
France is favored to win and is expected to control the pace of the game. While Iceland may show some defensive organization, France’s depth and talent should lead them to victory. Our pick for the match: “Iceland to win with a +3.0 handicap” at odds of 1.60.
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