When France national football team travelled to Reykjavik on October 13, 2025, hopes of a smooth sprint to the World Cup qualification race hit a sudden snag. The side, stripped of captain Kylian Mbappé (26) and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé (28) through injury, were held to a 2‑2 draw by the under‑dogs Iceland national football team. Meanwhile, Germany national football team edged a 1‑0 win in Northern Ireland, and Belgium national football team topped off a night that could reshape the final lineup for the 2026 tournament.
Match recap: France versus Iceland
Coach Didier Deschamps, now 55, fielded a makeshift attacking line‑up that struggled to find a rhythm. Iceland struck first before the break, thanks to a header from veteran defender Victor Pálsson (31), who still plies his trade at FC Midtjylland. The French side answered an hour in when Christopher Nkunku (27), the Chelsea forward, slipped the ball past the Icelandic keeper.
Just when the bleachers thought the game would tilt in France’s favor, Crystal Palace striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta (28) thundered home his first senior international goal. It felt like the winning moment—until the second‑half restart, when 21‑year‑old midfielder Kristian Hlynsson (FC Twente) broke free and rattled home the equaliser. The crowd in Reykjavik erupted, and the match ended in a stalemate that left Les Bleus’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
German and Belgian victories keep the race alive
Across the Irish Sea, Germany national football team travelled to Northern Ireland and grabbed a vital three points. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when 22‑year‑old forward Nick Woltemade slipped a low drive past the keeper, sealing a 1‑0 win that puts Germany within striking distance of the Group D top spot.
Not to be outdone, Belgium faced Wales at the same time. The Belgian side, led by veteran midfielder Axel Witsel, emerged 2‑1 winners, thanks to a brace from Romelu Lukaku that sent the Brussels‑based squad to the brink of automatic qualification. The win nudged Belgium to the second‑place slot in Group C, where a single slip‑up could tip the scales in favor of a rival.
Group B drama: Switzerland stumble, Kosovo surge
While the headline‑making matches unfolded, Group B delivered its own slice of tension. Switzerland, managed by Murat Yakin, entered the final qualifying round three points clear of Kosovo but slipped to a 0‑0 draw in Slovenia. The Swiss defence held firm, yet the lack of a goal left the nation waiting for a miracle.
Across the border, Kosovo pulled an upset in Gothenburg, beating Sweden 1‑0 thanks to a swift strike from forward Fisik Asllani (22, TSG Hoffenheim). The win narrowed the gap to just two points, turning the forthcoming November fixtures into a do‑or‑die scenario for both sides.
Sweden’s campaign, meanwhile, is unraveling. Despite boasting talent like Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) and Alexander Isak (Newcastle United), the Swedes sit bottom of the table with a single point and have failed to score in three consecutive matches. Their next game against Slovenia will be a litmus test for survival.
What the results mean for the race to the 2026 World Cup
France’s draw means they now sit third in Group D, trailing Germany by two points and Iceland by a single point. With only two matchdays left, the French squad must rediscover its missing fire, especially if Mbappé remains sidelined. The Dutch‑born striker Mateta’s breakthrough might be a silver lining—he has finally tasted international glory.
Germany, perched atop the group, can afford a slip‑up and still qualify, but the coaching staff is already eyeing the playoff‑round scenario for the second‑place finishers. Belgium, on the cusp of an automatic berth, will be watching the German‑French duel with bated breath; a German slip could open a door for the Belgians to clinch the top spot.
In Group B, the three‑point cushion Switzerland thought it held evaporated. A win against Sweden in November could restore their lead, but a draw or loss would hand Kosovo a direct path to the playoffs. The stakes are higher than ever, and the frantic schedule leaves little time for recovery.
Looking ahead: upcoming fixtures that could decide destiny
- October 17, 2025 – France vs. Germany in Paris (Group D showdown).
- October 20, 2025 – Iceland vs. Norway in Reykjavik (crucial for Iceland’s hopes).
- November 7, 2025 – Switzerland vs. Sweden in Zurich (Group B climax).
- November 9, 2025 – Kosovo vs. Slovenia in Pristina (playoff position battle).
These matches will likely decide which teams head straight to Qatar‑adjacent North America for the 2026 World Cup, and which will have to fight through the March 2026 playoffs. Fans can expect tense atmospheres, tactical tweaks, and perhaps a few more surprise goal‑scorers.
Background: How the European qualifiers are structured
The 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers began in March 2025 and will wrap up in November 2025. Each of the ten groups crowns a champion that earns automatic qualification. The second‑placed teams advance to a two‑leg playoff in March 2026, where the winners claim the remaining European spots.
Because the tournament will be co‑hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the qualification slots for UEFA remain unchanged at 13 direct berths plus three playoff spots. This format adds pressure to every group match, turning even seemingly minor fixtures into crucial turning points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does France’s draw with Iceland affect its World Cup chances?
The 2‑2 result drops France to third place in Group D, leaving them three points behind Germany with two games left. They must win both remaining fixtures and hope Germany slips up to keep qualification alive.
Which teams are most likely to secure direct qualification from Group B?
Switzerland remains in the driver’s seat but must win against Sweden. Kosovo, now just two points behind, can clinch the top spot with a win and a Swiss slip‑up. Sweden’s odds are slim unless they turn their form around dramatically.
What impact could Kylian Mbappé’s injury have on France’s campaign?
Mbappé’s absence deprives France of its primary goal threat and a leadership figure on the pitch. If he stays out, the team must rely on emerging talents like Mateta and Nkunku, which adds uncertainty to their attacking rhythm.
When will the playoff matches for second‑placed teams take place?
The UEFA playoffs are scheduled for March 2026, with two legs each. Winners of those ties will claim the final three European slots for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Why is the outcome of the France‑Germany match in Paris crucial?
A win for France would catapult them back to second place, forcing Germany into a must‑win situation. Conversely, a German victory would likely seal their direct qualification and push France into playoff uncertainty.
