Mansion Sports – An intense battle is set to unfold in Group D of the UEFA Zone for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as Iceland national football team faces France national football team. 

The highly anticipated match will take place at the iconic Laugardalsvollur Stadium in Reykjavik, with kick-off scheduled for Monday, 13 October 2025, at 18:45 local time.

The encounter is expected to be fiercely contested. France arrives with the ambition of maintaining their perfect record, while Iceland aims to bounce back from two disappointing results. 

Both teams have strong motivations, making this one of the most anticipated matches in Group D.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

France

France has been dominant throughout the opening three fixtures of the qualifiers, securing convincing wins against Azerbaijan, Iceland, and Ukraine.

Under the guidance of Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus have once again demonstrated why they are considered one of Europe’s football powerhouses.

However, the French squad is facing a wave of injuries and suspensions. Kylian Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté are sidelined through injury, while Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé are also unavailable. In addition, Aurélien Tchouaméni is serving a suspension.

Amid these absences, Adrien Rabiot is expected to once again take on a crucial role in midfield, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to make his first start up front.

Despite not being able to field their strongest lineup, France’s exceptional squad depth ensures they remain the favorites to win this match. 

Historically, France has a perfect record against Iceland, recording 12 wins and 4 draws in 16 meetings since 1957. 

Les Bleus have also won their last three encounters, including a 2–1 victory last month courtesy of goals from Mbappé and Barcola.

Iceland

Iceland enters this fixture determined to recover from a tough 3–5 defeat against Ukraine in their previous outing. 

The loss made their path to the top two positions in the standings more difficult, but not impossible. 

Currently, Iceland trails Ukraine by just one point, meaning a positive result in this match would be a significant boost to their campaign.

Their qualification journey started strongly with a 5–0 win over Azerbaijan, but two straight defeats have since stalled their momentum. 

Facing France is a daunting challenge, but the home advantage in Reykjavik could give them the extra push they need to compete.

Head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson will be without key forward Andri Guðjohnsen due to suspension, with Daniel Guðjohnsen expected to start in his place. Victor Pálsson and Albert Guðmundsson remain pivotal figures in maintaining balance in midfield.

Although Iceland has never beaten France, the team’s fighting spirit and strong support from the home crowd could help them put up a fierce battle.

Current Group D Standings

Where to Watch Iceland vs France

For fans who do not want to miss this highly anticipated clash, several streaming and broadcasting options are available depending on your location. These platforms will allow you to follow every moment of the action live:

• FIFA+
• beIN Sports
• FuboTV
• Stan
• DAZN
• Prime Video
• BBC
• Vision+

A Match That Promises Drama and Intensity

The showdown between Iceland and France is more than just a battle for points. It is a test of resilience and ambition for both sides. 

France aims to extend its dominance in the group, while Iceland seeks to prove that they can challenge even the strongest teams.

With an electric atmosphere expected at Laugardalsvollur and significant stakes in the standings, this match promises to be thrilling until the final whistle. 

Make sure to secure your preferred viewing platform and enjoy every moment of this crucial World Cup qualifier.