After a comprehensive 5-nil victory over Azerbaijan in their opening FIFA World Cup Qualifier (WCQ), Iceland face one of the toughest and challenging assignments in world football as they travel to Paris to take on France.
Softfootball reported that Les Bleus, who were runners-up at the last World Cup, started their campaign strongly with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ukraine. Captain Kylian Mbappé once again underlined his status as France’s talisman by equalling Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 international goals.
Didier Deschamps’ side, despite their Nations League disappointment earlier in the summer, will be confident of maintaining momentum. Their home record in WCQs speaks volumes: France have suffered just one defeat in 32 years, with Spain the only team to win on French soil since 1993.
Iceland, however, arrive in good spirits after a remarkable 5-0 victory against Azerbaijan. That result was a much-needed boost following relegation to the third tier of the Nations League.
Dreams of a second-ever World Cup appearance are alive, but their away record remains a concern, with three defeats in their last four competitive away outings.
History is also against them: France has never lost to Iceland in 15 previous encounters, winning 11 and drawing four. The last three competitive meetings ended with an aggregate score of 10-2 in France’s favour.
France posted a video of the team training ahead of the encounter via their official X handle. Watch the video below:
Team News
France will be without Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué after both picked up injuries against Ukraine. On the positive side, Michael Olise continues to shine, scoring five goals in his last four matches for club and country.
Iceland’s hopes may rest on Ísak Jóhannesson, who scored twice in their opener, though they could miss midfielder Victor Pálsson after he was forced off late in the last match.
Possible Line-ups
France (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Griezmann; Olise, Mbappé, Thuram.
Iceland (4-2-3-1): Rúnarsson; Sampsted, Ingason, Sigurdsson, Thorarinsson; Gunnarsson, Traustason; Jóhannesson, Thorsteinsson, Gudmundsson; Finnbogason.
SoftFootball’s Predictions
France’s superior quality and formidable home record make them strong favourites. However, with key attackers sidelined, the margin of victory may not be overwhelming. Iceland will look to frustrate and counter-attack, but their poor away form is a major hurdle.
Prediction: France 2-0 Iceland
