No Mbappé, No Win: France Held to 2–2 Draw in Iceland
France missed the chance to secure early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a frustrating 2–2 draw against Iceland in Reykjavik — a result that highlighted the team's ongoing dependence on Kylian Mbappé.
With their talisman sidelined due to injury and having returned to Madrid for treatment, Didier Deschamps' side lacked cutting edge in attack and defensive composure at key moments.
The hosts struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take the lead. France responded strongly in the second half, with goals from Christopher Nkunku and Jean-Philippe Mateta flipping the scoreline in their favor.
But just two minutes later, France’s backline faltered again, allowing Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson — known as Hlynsson — to equalize and steal a point for Iceland.
Qualification on Hold
The result means France will now need to wait until the November international window to book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Key matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan will decide their fate in the UEFA qualifying group.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers
Iceland - France 2:2 (1:0)
Goals: Palsson, 39 (1:0); Nkunku, 63 (1:1); Mateta, 68 (1:2); Hlynsson Kr., 70 (2:2)
Iceland: Olafsson E.; Tómasson (Thorsteinsson, 62); Gretarsson; Ingason S.; Palsson; Haraldsson; Jóhannesson Í.B. (Anderson Mik., 85); Gudmundsson A. (Thordarson S., 85); Ellertsson; Magnússon S. (Willumsson B., 45); Gudjohnsen D. (Hlynsson Kr., 46)
Substitution: Willumsson B. (from 45); Hlynsson Kr. (from 46); Thorsteinsson (from 62); Anderson Mik. (from 85); Thordarson S. (from 85)
Bench: Valdimarsson H.R,; Einarsson А.; Thordarson G.; Helgason; Gunnarsson A.; Baldursson; Bjarkason
Yellow Cards: Tómasson 60
France: Maignan; Digne; Upamecano; Kounde; Saliba; Camavinga (Thuram K., 75); Koné M.; Olise; Nkunku (Coman, 74); Mateta (Ekitike, 89); Thauvin (Akliouche, 64)
Substitution: Akliouche (from 64); Coman (from 74); Thuram K. (from 75); Ekitike (from 89)
Bench: Samba B.; Chevalier L.; Gusto; Pavard; Lucas Hernandez; Theo Hernández; Rabiot
Yellow Cards: Camavinga 56
