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France Stalled in Reykjavik: 2-2 Draw in Iceland Delays Early Ticket to 2026 World Cup

France squandered the chance to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup with two matches to spare, held to a breathless 2-2 draw by Iceland in Reykjavik. The equation was simple for the two-time champions: beat Iceland and hope Ukraine slipped against Azerbaijan. The performance had the response; the result did not.

Iceland struck first when Victor Pálsson prodded home from a set piece on 39 minutes, capping a combative first half from the hosts. France recalibrated after the break. Christopher Nkunku, increasingly influential in a blue shirt, swept a curling finish into the far corner on 63 minutes, and Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta—making his first start—tapped in Maghnes Akliouche’s low cross five minutes later for his maiden international goal.

Yet the lead lasted barely two minutes. Substitute Kristján Hlynsson finished off a slick counter in the 70th minute—just Iceland’s second shot on target—to restore parity and deflate French momentum. The draw keeps France top of Group D on 10 points, three clear of Ukraine, who edged Azerbaijan 2-1 courtesy of a 64th-minute winner from Genoa midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi. Historically, France have often secured their place early—world champions in 1998 and 2018—but this campaign now points to a decisive head-to-head: beat Ukraine on 13 November and Les Bleus can finally lock in their North American summer.

On the night, France controlled long stretches and created the better looks, but their transition defense was twice punished—once from a dead ball, once in open field. Iceland, disciplined and opportunistic, maximized set plays and counters to earn a result that keeps their own campaign competitive while forcing France to wait a little longer.

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