France Overcomes Iceland in Dramatic World Cup Qualifier – Road to 2026 Continues
Paris, France – September 9, 2025 – In a match brimming with controversy and late drama, France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, edged past Iceland 2-1 in Paris on Tuesday night, maintaining their momentum in the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This breaking news from Group D sees the Tricolore stay firmly on track, but not without a significant scare.
VAR Intervention and Mbappé’s Penalty Spark Victory
The match wasn’t without its talking points. An initial goal from Iceland, scored by ísak Jóhannesson of Cologne and Jón Dagur Thorsteinson of Hertha BSC, was overturned following a VAR review, adding an immediate layer of tension to the contest. France, fielding a strong lineup including Bayern Munich stars Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano, struggled to find their rhythm early on. However, the deadlock was broken just before halftime when Kylian Mbappé confidently converted a penalty, awarded after a foul in the box. Mbappé, who also found the net against Ukraine in their previous qualifier, proved once again why he’s considered one of the world’s most dangerous attackers.
Bacola Extends Lead, Tchouaméni Sees Red
Bradley Bacola doubled France’s advantage in the 62nd minute, seemingly putting the game beyond Iceland’s reach. But the match took another twist fifteen minutes later when Aurélien Tchouaméni received a straight red card, forcing Didier Deschamps’ side to defend resolutely for the remaining minutes. Iceland, who had impressively defeated Azerbaijan 5-0 in their opening qualifier, refused to surrender. They thought they had pulled one back in the 88th minute through Jóhannesson, but the goal was disallowed due to a preceding foul.
Iceland Puts Up a Fight, Olofsson Shines
Despite the loss, Iceland demonstrated their competitive spirit. Their goalkeeper, Elias Olofsson, delivered a standout performance, frustrating the French attack on numerous occasions. Iceland’s early form in the qualifying stages – their dominant win over Azerbaijan – signaled their intent to challenge for a place at the 2026 World Cup. This match, while a defeat, showcased their potential and resilience.
The Road Ahead: France Faces Azerbaijan
France’s next challenge comes on October 10th, when they host Azerbaijan in Paris. This will be a crucial match as they aim to solidify their position at the top of Group D. For Iceland, the focus will be on regrouping and preparing for their upcoming fixtures. The 2026 World Cup qualification process is notoriously competitive, and every point is vital.
Evergreen Insight: World Cup qualifying campaigns are often marathons, not sprints. Teams must navigate a complex series of matches, dealing with injuries, suspensions, and varying levels of opposition. The ability to adapt and maintain consistency is paramount. The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup means more opportunities for nations to qualify, but also potentially increased competition. Understanding the nuances of FIFA’s qualifying rules and the strategic implications of each match is key for fans and analysts alike. This game highlights the increasing importance of VAR in modern football, and the impact it can have on crucial decisions.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates, analysis, and exclusive content on the 2026 World Cup qualification journey. We’ll continue to bring you breaking news and in-depth coverage as the road to the USA, Canada, and Mexico unfolds.
