France and Iceland will continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns when they face off at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday 9th September at 7:45pm (UK time). The pair are in one of the smaller groups with a delayed start, so there’s a lot of action to come.
Over 3.5 goals (10/11 with Betfred)
Five of the past six meetings between France and Iceland have seen at least four goals scored. France come into the game as overwhelming favourites and they could hit the goal line themselves with such a wealth of talent available for them. A frontline including Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will always be a threat and, with France scoring 10 goals in their last four games, they’ll be in red hot form coming into this contest.
Highest scoring half: 2nd (11/10 with William Hill)
Seven of the last nine goals scored in games between France and Iceland have come in the second halves of the matches. Iceland could prove to be a resolute opponent for France, especially in the first half as they look to keep things tight early on. The game could well open up as things progress though and that could lead to the chances becoming more frequent in the second period.
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How both teams go into France vs Iceland
France suffered heartbreak at the 2022 World Cup, losing the final on penalties to Argentina. But they’ll be expected to at least be at the tournament next summer. Les Bleus haven’t missed a World Cup since 1994, reaching four of the seven finals since — winning two. They haven’t always had it their way in qualifying over the past five tournaments, though. France have lost four of their past 50 qualifying games which may not sound like much, but big nations aren’t known for dropping points that much.
France opened their World Cup qualifying game, last week, with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine. That is likely to be France’s toughest fixture in qualifying so getting off a winning start was key for Didier Deschamps side. Another victory here will give them a stranglehold on Group D and put France in pole position to be playing in the World Cup next summer.
Iceland are seeking just a second appearance at the World Cup, and a return having missed out in 2022. Their sole appearance in 2018 didn’t last long, though, as Iceland were knocked out in the group stage. Iceland weren’t great in qualifying four years ago, finishing fifth in their group. Although they did have Germany to contest with for the automatic spot, Iceland also finished behind North Macedonia, Romania and Armenia.
Iceland got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a brilliant start, picking up a 5-0 win over Azerbaijan, leaving them top of Group D after the first set of games played. Iceland are likely to be fighting it out with Ukraine for second spot in the group and that result sets them up nicely to grab a playoff position, potentially sending them to the World Cup.
France team news
France have a stacked squad for the September international break with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola all contesting to start in the attack.
Iceland team news
Veteran midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson has not been included in Iceland’s squad, missing out on a charge to hit 100 caps. Vice-captain Hakon Arnar Haraldsson plies his trade in France with Lille.
France vs Iceland head-to-head
France are unbeaten in their 15 games against Iceland across all competitions, winning 11. They last met in qualifying for Euro 2020, with France winning both matches without conceding.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 11/10/19 | Iceland 0-1 France | European Championship qualifying |
| 25/03/19 | France 4-0 Iceland | European Championship qualifying |
| 11/10/18 | France 2-2 Iceland | Friendly |
| 03/07/16 | France 5-2 Iceland | Euro 2016 |
| 27/05/12 | France 3-2 Iceland | Friendly |