Iceland vs France 2-2 Thriller: Jean-Philippe Mateta Nets His Debut Goal for France

France faced a setback in their quest for the 2026 World Cup as they were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw against Iceland. This match, held in Reykjavik, marked a critical point in the qualifying campaign for the two-time world champions.
Match Overview
France entered the match needing a win to secure their place in the World Cup earlier than expected. They remained at the top of Group D, but Iceland had other plans. The hosts took a surprising lead in the first half.
Key Events
- First Half: Iceland’s Victor Palsson scored in the 30th minute, giving his team a 1-0 advantage.
- Second Half: Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku equalized for France with a stunning curling shot.
- Debut Goal: Jean-Philippe Mateta, in his first start for France, put them ahead with a tap-in from Maghnes Akliouche’s low cross.
- Equalizer: Kristian Hlynsson scored for Iceland in the 70th minute, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Current Standings and Future Matches
As a result of this draw, France still leads Group D, with Ukraine trailing by three points after their 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan. Roslan Malinovskyi scored the decisive goal for Ukraine.
Looking ahead, France has a crucial match against Ukraine scheduled for November 13. A win in this game would secure their spot in the World Cup.