Match Overview

The 8th-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament between the national teams of Iceland and France will take place on October 13 at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavík. This comprehensive preview offers a prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for the Iceland vs France encounter.

Iceland National Team Analysis

Iceland’s Qualification Campaign So Far

Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s squad started the current qualifying cycle on a high note, delivering a dominant 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan on home soil. However, they faced tougher challenges against their other two group rivals, despite putting up a decent fight – suffering defeats to France (1-2) and Ukraine (3-5). Consequently, after the first round, the Icelanders are positioned 3rd in their group, trailing the leader by 6 points and Ukraine by a single point. It’s also worth noting that Iceland’s matches average an impressive 5.3 goals.

Iceland’s Key Statistics

• In their last 10 World Cup qualifying matches, Iceland has managed only 2 victories (along with 3 draws and 5 losses).
• At least 4 goals were scored in 5 of Iceland’s last 6 home games in this tournament.
• The national team has failed to win in 5 of their last 7 home matches in World Cup qualification (2 draws and 3 losses).

Iceland’s Projected Lineup (4-3-3)

Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson – Sverrir Ingason, Victor Pálsson, Mikael Ellertsson, Daniel Leo Grétarsson – Stefán Thórdarson, Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson, Hákon Haraldsson – Albert Gudmundsson, Saevar Magnússon, Brynjólfur Willumsson.

Team News: Iceland Absentees

Forward Andri Gudjohnsen is unavailable due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

France National Team Analysis

France’s Dominant Qualification Performance

The French national team confidently leads Group D, having secured the maximum possible points after 3 rounds. Les Bleus have defeated all their group opponents: Ukraine away (2-0), Iceland at home (2-1), and Azerbaijan (3-0). As a result, France’s winning streak in World Cup qualifiers now extends to 6 matches. Furthermore, in their last six matches in this tournament, the team has conceded only 1 goal.

France’s Impressive Record

• Overall, the national team remains unbeaten in World Cup qualification for 15 consecutive matches – with 11 victories and 4 draws.
• No more than two goals were scored in 8 of France’s last 11 matches in this tournament.
• The French have won 5 of their last 6 away matches in World Cup qualification (1 draw).

France’s Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan – Malo Gusto, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernández, William Saliba – Khephren Thuram, Adrien Rabiot – Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, Hugo Ekitike – Florian Thauvin.

Team News: France Absentees

Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni will miss the October international matches due to a 2-match suspension. Midfielder Désiré Doué and forwards Kylian Mbappé, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembélé are sidelined due to injuries.

Match Official

Referee Profile: Orel Grinfeeld

Orel Grinfeeld (Israel)

Grinfeeld’s recent statistics (International matches, 2024–2025):

• Matches officiated: 9
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 44
• Average yellow cards per match: 4.9
• Red cards shown: 3
• Average fouls per match: 26
• Penalties awarded: 22%

Match Prediction: Iceland vs France

Analysis of Team Strengths and Weaknesses

The Icelanders possess a decent attacking line; however, by focusing heavily on offensive actions, they often lose defensive concentration and concede more goals than they score. Ukraine skillfully exploited this in the previous round, defeating Iceland on their home ground with a 5-3 scoreline. France’s attacking potential is even higher, suggesting that even without Kylian Mbappé, the visitors should comfortably overcome this opponent with a convincing score.

Key Betting Insights

In their last six away matches in this qualifying campaign, France has secured 5 victories, conceding only 1 goal (against Ukraine in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers). I believe the French defense will neutralize the home team’s forwards and once again keep a clean sheet. Iceland has managed only 3 wins in their last 13 World Cup qualification matches, notably against Liechtenstein (twice) and Azerbaijan.

Recommended Bet

My prediction is “France with a Handicap (-1.5)” at odds of 1.60