World Cup Qualification UEFA: France vs Iceland Match Preview & Lineups

 World Cup Qualification UEFA: France vs Iceland Match Preview & Lineups

 

 

Match Preview: France vs Iceland – UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

• Kick-off: 19:45 BST / 18:45 UTC / 14:45 EDT

• Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris FotMob

Team Form & Context

• France opened their Group D campaign with a solid 2–0 away win over Ukraine, enjoying strong performances from Kylian Mbappé—who equaled Thierry Henry’s record of 51 international goals—and standout midfield work by Aurelien Tchouaméni.

• Iceland began their campaign with an emphatic 5–0 victory over Azerbaijan, showcasing their attacking potential and confidence under new coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson.

Team News & Injury Updates

• Injuries for France:

• Ousmane Dembélé is out for approximately six weeks with a hamstring injury.

• Désiré Doué faces four weeks on the sidelines due to a calf strain.

• Rayan Cherki also withdrew due to injury, prompting the first call-up for Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike.

• Despite the squad depth and concerns over fixture congestion, manager Didier Deschamps affirmed that proper protocols were followed and defended his team’s player management, responding to criticism from PSG.

• Iceland’s lineup remains stable following their dominant first match, with no major reported setbacks.

Predicted Lineups

France (likely 4-2-3-1 formation):

• GK: Mike Maignan.

• Defence: Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne.

• Midfield Pivot: Aurelien Tchouaméni, Kouadio Koné.

• Attacking Midfielders: Maghnes Akliouche, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola.

• Striker: Kylian Mbappé .

Alternate variations include Hugo Ekitike starting on the right, especially with Doué injured.

Iceland (likely 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1):

• GK: Elías Ólafsson

• Defence: Victor Pálsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Daniel Grétarsson

• Midfield: Jon Thorsteinsson, Stefan Teitur Þórðarson, Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson, Egill Ellertsson

• Forwards: Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, Andri Guðjohnsen, Albert Guðmundsson .

Preview & Prediction

• France enters the match as heavy favorites, bolstered by quality depth and historical dominance over Iceland—remaining unbeaten in their recent encounters. Playing for 90The Football Faithful FotMob

• Sports Mole predicts a 3–1 victory for France, citing their superior squad and consistency. Sports Mole

• PlayingFor90 also backs France strongly, expecting an emphatic win. Playing for 90

• SportsGambler offers a balanced view: despite clear French favoritism, Iceland’s organized structure could keep the scoreline respectable—some betting strategies include considering Iceland with a +2.5 goal handicap.