France Held to Draw by Iceland, Miss World Cup Qualification
France missed an opportunity to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup with two qualifying matches remaining, as the two-time world champions settled for a thrilling 2-2 draw against Iceland.
Les Bleus, currently leading Group D, needed a victory over Iceland and hoped for Ukraine to drop points against Azerbaijan to clinch an early berth in next summer's tournament in North America.
France found themselves trailing at halftime after Iceland's defender Victor Palsson scored unexpectedly, converting from close range following a free-kick.
The visitors responded midway through the second half, with Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku finding the bottom corner with a superb curling shot.
On his first start for France, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta then put his side ahead, scoring his inaugural international goal by tapping in a low cross from Maghnes Akliouche.
However, Iceland equalized when substitute Kristian Hlynsson scored with his team’s second shot on target, finishing off a quick counter-attack in the 70th minute in Reykjavik.
Ukraine remains three points behind France in second place after Genoa midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi netted a 64th-minute winner, leading his team to a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan.
France can secure their World Cup qualification by defeating Ukraine in their next match on November 13.