Iceland vs France Prediction World Cup Qualifiers 13.10.2025
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Iceland vs France Prediction World Cup Qualifiers
Iceland vs France Prediction and Betting Tips for Monday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium. France look to extend their perfect start, while Iceland cling to playoff hopes after a dramatic loss to Ukraine. For deeper insight, explore Soccer Stats and data trends that shape every match preview and betting pick on XpertStats.
- France aim for a fourth straight win in Group D on Monday night.
- Iceland sit third, still chasing a playoff dream after losing to Ukraine.
- Mbappé and Konaté ruled out, forcing Deschamps to reshuffle his squad.
- Iceland have never beaten France in 16 previous meetings.
Iceland enter this game with their backs against the wall. Friday’s 5-3 loss to Ukraine stung, especially after a bright start to the campaign. Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s men have the spirit, no doubt, but suspensions and defensive lapses continue to haunt them. Without Andri Gudjohnsen, who’s bagged 10 goals in 36 caps, they’ll rely on Daniel Gudjohnsen to step up. Can he really fill those boots? It’s a big ask. Still, with Victor Palsson and Albert Gudmundsson pulling strings in midfield, Iceland might fancy a goal or two in front of their home fans.
Yet history doesn’t lie. Iceland have faced France 16 times, losing 12 and drawing four. Not exactly encouraging. Their defensive shape has looked shaky too, conceding ten goals in their last two matches says it all. The home crowd in Reykjavik will roar, but unless Iceland tighten up at the back, that support might not be enough. It’s hard to see them holding off a French side brimming with talent, even without some of their stars.
France, meanwhile, are cruising. Nine points from nine, seven goals scored, just one conceded. Deschamps’s squad depth remains their greatest weapon. Sure, Mbappé’s ankle issue and Konaté’s thigh injury leave gaps, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential debut brings intrigue. “We have quality in every position,” Deschamps said last week and he’s not wrong. Adrien Rabiot, Coman, and Olise provide enough firepower to trouble anyone, even on a cold night in Reykjavik. That said, complacency can be dangerous, and France know how unpredictable qualifying trips can get.
Looking at the numbers from Soccer Stats, France have scored two or more goals in five of their last six qualifiers, while Iceland have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of five home games. On paper, it’s a mismatch. On the pitch? Maybe less so, especially with France rotating heavily. Expect Iceland to fight, France to control, and goals to come, but perhaps not too many. After all, the North Atlantic winds tend to chill even the hottest attacks.
Backing Under 3.5 Goals makes sense when considering France’s current setup. Without Mbappé, Barcola, and Dembele, the attacking spark dims a little. Deschamps is likely to rely on structured buildup play rather than all-out attack. Iceland, meanwhile, tend to keep things compact at home, even if their defense has been inconsistent. They’ll sit deep and look for counters, which often leads to long spells of French possession but fewer high-quality chances. The last three meetings between these sides all finished under four goals, reinforcing the pattern. Add cold October conditions and a slightly fatigued French side, and the stage is set for a measured, professional performance. A disciplined affair — likely ending around 2-0 or 2-1 — fits the trend and justifies this selection.
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