Iceland vs France match review, 1:45 a.m. October 14: Can cold ice cool down the blue fire?

VHO - Commentary on the match between Iceland and France, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the absence of many key players may cause difficulties for the team under coach Deschamps in the land of ice.

Iceland vs France form

Iceland kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a thumping 5-0 win over Azerbaijan. However, when faced with tougher opponents, the team was quickly brought back to earth.

In the first leg at the Parc des Princes a month ago, Iceland created a lot of trouble for France and only had to leave with a 1-2 defeat. But it should be noted that the Gallic Roosters had completely dominated the game.

Throughout the match, France controlled the ball 63%, launched 20 shots, with 8 on target, had 6 clear chances and an expected goals index of up to 3.15. While the equivalent statistics for Iceland were only 7 shots, 2 on target, 2 chances and 0.66 expected goals index.

In fact, France could have won more easily and more convincingly if not for Aurelien Tchouameni's disastrous red card in the 68th minute. Having to play with one less man for the last 30 minutes made it a bit difficult for Les Bleus to maintain their slim advantage.

This rematch, the scenario is probably not brighter for Iceland. Despite having home field advantage, the team under the direction of coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson is more or less losing their fighting spirit.

A few days ago, the home team suffered a convincing 3-5 defeat against Ukraine. That defeat will certainly have a heavy impact on their mentality and chances of competing for 2nd place, which means a play-off spot for a World Cup ticket.

Kylian Mbappe will not be present on the visit to Iceland

In Group D, except for France, who are too strong and almost certain to be the top team, Iceland and Ukraine are expected to compete for the second place. Because the remaining face Azerbaijan will have a hard time getting into the race despite surprisingly holding Ukraine to a draw in the second match.

If Azerbaijan continues to repeat the feat from the first leg against Ukraine, and France wins all 3 points in their visit to Reykjavik, France will become one of the first teams in Europe to board the train to the biggest football festival on the planet.

Over the past decade, France and Iceland have met a total of 6 times. The team from the hexagonal land has won 5 and only drawn 1. If only counting official tournaments, Les Bleus have won all, scoring 12 and conceding only 3 goals.

The opportunity is within reach and coach Didier Deschamps and his team will probably know how to quickly convert their advantage into an official ticket.

Iceland vs France squad information

Iceland: Andri Gudjohnsen is the most notable absentee due to suspension.

France: Kylian Mbappe, Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Ibrahima Konate are absent due to injury. Tchouameni is also absent due to suspension.

Expected lineup Iceland vs France

Iceland: Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Ellertsson; Gudmundsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson; Magnusson, D Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson

France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernandez; K Thuram, Rabiot; Coman, Olise, Ekitike; Mateta

Prediction: 1-2

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