Preview: Iceland vs France
The minnows from Northern Europe are again doing their part to qualify for another major international tournament, four years after making their debut at EURO 2016. Iceland so far have done solidly in qualifiers, with four wins out of their six games so far, but will need to overcome 2016 runners-up France in order to close the gap on surprise group leaders Turkey, who continue to refuse to ease up on their grip on top spot.
Iceland will also want to make amends for their humiliating 4-0 defeat in Paris the last time they encountered the reigning World Cup winners. It was also Didier Deschamps's side who ended their Cinderella story at the EURO 2016 tournament in the quarter-finals after they shocked England in the round of 16, but they will be facing an uphill battle against history, as Iceland, to date, have never beaten France in 14 prior meetings.
Meanwhile, France, whose lone setback in their qualifying process was a shock 2-0 loss to Turkey, will naturally be gunning for all three points here - especially with Turkey not going to give up top spot without a fight. That defeat could end up costing them dearly if Turkey don't start dropping some points, and although Iceland have been quite solid on the defensive front, France's offensive firepower, including experienced striker Olivier Giroud who has three goals to his name (and has netted three times in the past against Iceland) could pose a major problem for the hosts.
Match facts: Iceland vs France
- Iceland have never beaten France in their entire history (D4 L10)
- However, the hosts have a pretty solid home record in European qualifiers, with nine straight games sans defeat (W7 D2)
- They have also kept six clean sheets during that unbeaten run as well
- That being said, France have been quite formidable on the road. Les Bleus have lost just one of their last 12 European away qualifiers - to current shock group leaders Turkey
- The defeat against Turkey is also France's only defeat in their last 15 European qualifying matches
Team news: Iceland vs France
Iceland: The hosts will have to make do without their captain Aron Gunnarsson due to injury, as well as Hordur Magnusson, also as a result of an ankle problem.
France: Among the notable absentees for the visitor will be young star Kylian Mbappe as well as skipper Hugo Lloris, who recently sustained a dislocated elbow during Tottenham's recent surprise defeat to Brighton.
How they compare: Iceland vs France
Here's how the two sides stack up ahead of their match:
Where to watch Iceland vs France live on October 11, 2019
In the USA, Iceland vs France will be shown on
Fans in Iceland can tune in to
Supporters in France can cheer on Les Bleus against the minnows via
