Match report

Iceland 2–2 France: A Dramatic Draw in World Cup Qualification Europe

Iceland
Iceland
2–2
FT
France
France
Oct 13, 2025

In a thrilling encounter, Iceland secured a hard-fought 2–2 draw against France in their World Cup Qualification Europe match. V. Palsson and K. Hlynsson found the back of the net for Iceland, while C. Nkunku and J. Mateta netted for France, keeping the match tight and exciting from start to finish.

Key Facts

  • • Iceland vs France ended in a 2–2 draw
  • • V. Palsson scored the first goal for Iceland at minute 39
  • • C. Nkunku equalized for France at minute 63
  • • J. Mateta put France ahead at minute 68
  • • K. Hlynsson scored Iceland's second goal at minute 70

Lineups

Iceland

Starting XI

  • 1 E. Olafsson (G)
  • 23 M. E. Ellertsson (D)
  • 4 V. Palsson (D)
  • 5 S. I. Ingason (D)
  • 3 D. L. Gretarsson
  • 2 L. Tomasson (D)
  • 7 H. Haraldsson (M)
  • 8 I. Johannesson (M)
  • 10 A. Gudmundsson (M)
  • 9 S. Magnusson (F)
  • 21 D. T. Gudjohnsen (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 H. R. Valdimarsson
  • 13 A. Einarsson
  • 6 G. Thordarson
  • 11 J. Thorsteinsson
  • 14 T. J. Helgason
  • 16 S. T. Thordarson
  • 17 A. Gunnarsson
  • 18 M. Anderson
  • 19 B. Bjarkason
  • 20 K. Hlynsson
  • 22 A. Baldursson
  • 15 B. Willumsson

France

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 16 M. Maignan (G)
  • 5 J. Kounde (D)
  • 17 W. Saliba (D)
  • 4 D. Upamecano (D)
  • 3 L. Digne (D)
  • 8 M. Kone (M)
  • 6 E. Camavinga (M)
  • 20 F. Thauvin (M)
  • 11 M. Olise (M)
  • 18 C. Nkunku (M)
  • 13 J. Mateta (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 B. Samba
  • 23 L. Chevalier
  • 2 M. Gusto
  • 7 K. Coman
  • 9 H. Ekitike
  • 12 M. Akliouche
  • 14 A. Rabiot
  • 15 B. Pavard
  • 19 K. Thuram
  • 21 L. Hernandez
  • 22 T. Hernandez

Timeline

  1. Iceland
    39' Iceland Goal · Normal Goal
    V. Palsson
  2. Iceland
    45'+2 Iceland subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Magnusson · On: B. Willumsson
  3. Iceland
    46' Iceland subst · Substitution 2
    Off: D. T. Gudjohnsen · On: K. Hlynsson
  4. France
    56' France Card · Yellow Card
    E. Camavinga

    Foul

  5. Iceland
    60' Iceland Card · Yellow Card
    L. Tómasson

    Foul

  6. Iceland
    62' Iceland subst · Substitution 3
    Off: L. Tómasson · On: J. D. Thorsteinsson
  7. France
    63' France Goal · Normal Goal
    C. Nkunku · Assist: L. Digne
  8. France
    64' France subst · Substitution 1
    Off: F. Thauvin · On: M. Akliouche
  9. France
    68' France Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Mateta · Assist: M. Akliouche
  10. Iceland
    70' Iceland Goal · Normal Goal
    K. Hlynsson · Assist: A. Gudmundsson
  11. France
    74' France subst · Substitution 2
    Off: C. Nkunku · On: K. Coman
  12. France
    75' France subst · Substitution 3
    Off: E. Camavinga · On: Khéphren Thuram
  13. Iceland
    85' Iceland subst · Substitution 4
    Off: A. Gudmundsson · On: S. T. Thordarson
  14. Iceland
    85' Iceland subst · Substitution 5
    Off: I. Johannesson · On: M. Anderson
  15. France
    89' France subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Mateta · On: H. Ekitike

Match Stats

Stat Iceland France
Fouls 16 12
Pass Accuracy 78% 91%
Offsides 1 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 4 20
Corners 0 9
Total Passes 317 717
Yellow Cards 1 1
Blocked Shots 1 3
Shots on Target 2 9
xG 0.82 2.50
Shots off Target 1 8
Possession 30% 70%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 247 654
Shots Inside Box 4 13
Saves 6 0
Shots Outside Box 0 7

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ V. Palsson's goal at minute 39 gave Iceland the lead, setting the tone for an intense match
  • ▸ France's quick response with goals from C. Nkunku and J. Mateta in quick succession at minutes 63 and 68 respectively, demonstrated their determination
  • ▸ K. Hlynsson's goal at minute 70 brought Iceland back into the game, ensuring an exciting finish to the match