World Cup Qualification 2026: Iceland-France, the likely lineups

France visits Iceland in a challenge valid for Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Kickoff at 8:45 p.m. at Laugardalsvöllur in Reykjavík. The transalpines, never defeated in their history by the Nordic national team, lead the group alone and are now one step away from direct qualification for the rainbow event in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It is a different matter for Iceland, which is still fully in the running for second place, which is useful to enter the playoffs.

Chief coach Gunnlaugsson could again bet on Thorsteinsson and Anderson on the outsides, with Johannesson and Haraldsson in the middle of the field. The offensive tandem formed by Andri and Daníel Gudjohnsen.

In France, Mbappé’s absence could open the doors of attack for Mateta, supported on the three-quarter by the trident composed of Thauvin, Olise and Nkunku. In midfield Kone with Camavinga, in defense the Saliba-Upamecano pair in front of Maignan.

Probable lineups

Iceland (4-4-2): Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Tomasson; Thorsteinsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson, Anderson; A. Gudjohnsen, D. Gudjohnsen. All. Gunnlaugsson.

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Camavinga, Koné; Thauvin, Olise, Nkunku; Mateta. All. Deschamps.

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