France’s flawless start to their World Cup qualifying campaign came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in an entertaining Group D clash on Monday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal for Les Bleus on his second cap to put France 2-1 ahead, following Christopher Nkunku’s equalizer after Victor Palsson’s early opener. However, Kristian Hlynsson struck late to rescue a point for Iceland.
The draw leaves France top of Group D with 10 points from four games, three ahead of Ukraine, who defeated Azerbaijan 2-1 on Monday. The two teams will meet in Paris on November 13 in a potentially decisive clash for World Cup qualification for the US, Mexico, and Canada.
“Iceland had two shots on target and scored twice, but we didn’t do enough in the first half,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “We then did what we had to, but what’s frustrating is the way we conceded the second goal. We’d done the hard part and then switched off — that shouldn’t happen to us. We’ll have to settle for that.”
France played without several key players due to injuries, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola. Despite this, they created multiple chances. Michael Olise’s corner was flicked on by Manu Kone for Nkunku, whose volley was brilliantly saved by Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson. Olafsson also denied Olise’s curling free kick before Palsson converted a low free kick six minutes before halftime to give Iceland the lead.
France increased their intensity in the second half. Nkunku equalized in the 63rd minute after a pass from Lucas Digne, cutting in from the left and firing a powerful shot past Olafsson. Five minutes later, Mateta put France ahead following a cross from Maghnes Akliouche, assisted by Eduardo Camavinga. However, Iceland responded swiftly through Hlynsson in the 70th minute, leaving the match tied 2-2.
France will now focus on maintaining their top spot in Group D ahead of the critical home fixture against Ukraine.
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