Iceland have never beaten France in 15 attempts, with les Bleus winning 11 of them, including each of their last four competitive meetings, most notably prevailing 5-2 in Paris in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
France vs Iceland preview
Will France make it two wins out of two in World Cup qualification? On Friday night, in probably their toughest test of Group D, Didier Deschamps' side swatted aside Ukraine 2-0 in Wrocław. Michael Olise's exquisite finish broke the deadlock inside ten minutes, before Kylian Mbappé made the points secure in trademark fashion late on, bursting in-behind and finishing cooly.
France have qualified for every major tournament since USA '94, winning 29 of their last 38 qualifiers, losing just two, their only defeats since 2013 coming away against Türkiye in 2019 and Sweden in 2017, their most recent home defeat occurring 12 years ago against Spain. Thus, everyone expects the back-to-back World Cup finalists to cruise through this group and, once in North America, be among the favourites to win the trophy for a third time on 19 July. Anything other than a resounding home win at Parc des Princes on Tuesday would be a massive surprise.
Having said all of that, with the obvious caveat being that only one game has been played, it is Iceland who lead the way in Group D. Four nights ago, they destroyed the section's minnows Azerbaijan 5-0 at Laugardalsvöllur; Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson bagged a brace, while Guðlaugur Victor Pálsson, Albert Guðmundsson and Kristian Hlynsson were all on target during a 28 minute scoring spree.
This is actually Iceland's most comprehensive home win since also hammering Malta 5-0 in 2000, and was a much-needed victory for Arnar Gunnlaugsson who, in his first matches in charge in March, saw his side ignominiously relegated to Nations League C, steamrollered 5-2 on aggregate by Kosovo. Since debuting at a major tournament in France in 2016, also appearing at the 2018 World Cup, Iceland have been a fading force, winning just ten of 43 competitive fixtures since 2020, four of which have come against Liechtenstein. Thus, they're unlikely to cause too many problems in Paris.
France vs Iceland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 15.
- France Wins: 11. Draws: 4. Iceland Wins: Zero.
France team news
Didier Deschamps is without William Saliba, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki and Ousmane Dembélé, but still has a stacked squad from which to choose.
In contrast to Deschamps' usual modus operandi, he deployed a rather attacking line-up against Ukraine, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné at the base of midfield, supporting a front four.
Captain Kylian Mbappé led the line in Wrocław, with Hugo Ekitiké making his senior international debut off the bench. Meanwhile, in-behind, another debutant Maghnes Akliouche could get the nod on the right-wing, alongside Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola.
France predicted lineup vs Iceland: (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, Digne; Koné, Tchouaméni, Akliouche, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
France player to watch vs Iceland
Kylian Mbappé's goal on Friday was his 51st for France, drawing level with Thierry Henry, now only six behind Olivier Giroud's soon to be short-lived all-time record. Two of Mbappé's goals have come against Iceland, on target against them at Stade de Roudourou in 2018 and the Stade de France the following year, so will he find the net at Parc des Princes, his former home of course?
Iceland team news
Arnar Gunnlaugsson is without expirenced quartet Aron Gunnarsson, Gylfi Sigurðsson, Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson and Orri Óskarsson who, between them, have won 305 caps, the latter scoring seven times in just 16 outings for his country, so his absnce is certainly a blow.
In terms of who will feature, Stefán Teitur Þórðarson of Preston North End will keep his place in midfield, with Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, who plays in France for Lille, donning the armband.
Iceland predicted lineup vs France: (3-4-2-1): Ólafsson; Pálsson, Ingason, Grétarsson; Dagur Þorsteinsson, Jóhannesson, Teitur Þórðarson, Ellertsson; Haraldsson, Guðmundsson, Guðjohnsen.
Iceland player to watch vs France
Andri Guðjohnsen, son of Icelandic legend Eiður, has nine international goals to his name, most recently on target against Scotland at Hampden in June, so could he be the hero here?
France vs Iceland prediction
As alluded to already, we cannot see beyond a comfortable French victory at Parc des Princes, likely to swat Iceland aside and score plenty of goals in Paris on Tuesday night: France 4-0 Iceland.
France vs Iceland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch France vs Iceland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
France vs Iceland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch France vs Iceland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
France vs Iceland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for France vs Iceland in World Cup qualification?
France vs Iceland takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).