Slippery Fields and Slow Whistles: France’s 2-2 Draw in Iceland Sparks Deschamps’ Critique
14 October 2025
Match Recap
Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, voiced strong critique of both his players and the officiating after a 2-2 draw with Iceland in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The result was disappointing as France squandered a 2-1 lead and allowed a late Icelandic equalizer, adding more questions to the team’s consistency in the group.
Viktor Palsson gave Iceland the lead against the run of play, only for France to reply with quick strikes from Christopher Nkunku and Jean-Philippe Mateta to move ahead 2-1 in the second half.
Christian Helinsson then leveled for Iceland, ending France’s perfect start to the campaign and denying them a third consecutive victory.
Deschamps told TF1 that France dominated moments of the game but conceded twice from only two efforts on target, and that their first-half tempo and defensive organization left room for improvement even after taking the lead.
He added that there was a lack of initiative and momentum, and that the team needed more consistent service and sharper runs in the final third.
On the officiating, Deschamps suggested some calls might have favored Iceland and hinted that at times the referee’s night could have influenced decisions, which he felt should have been scrutinized more closely.
Regarding injuries and absences, he stressed the difficulty of replacing players who performed well, noting that the squad still faced the challenge of unavailable teammates as the campaign continues.
Asked about World Cup qualification, Deschamps insisted the team was doing its best to win, while acknowledging that other nations were performing at a high level and that delaying decisions could make upcoming matches more dramatic.
The group standings saw France top the table with 10 points after victories over Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan, followed by Ukraine with seven, Iceland on three, and Azerbaijan with one. France’s remaining fixtures include a home match against Ukraine at Parc des Princes, then two away games against Azerbaijan on November 13 and 16, with Ukraine also facing France and Iceland on the same dates.
Historically, France remain hopeful of reaching the World Cup for a seventh time, having previously lifted the title in 1998 and 2018. Deschamps, who captained the side in 1998 and later coached the team to 2018 glory, has also overseen a Euro 2016 final appearance, the 2021 Nations League title, and bronze in this year’s Nations League. Across World Cup campaigns, France has recorded a lengthy résumé including silver medals in 2006 and 2022, bronze in 1958 and 1986, and a fourth-place finish in 1982, boasting 73 World Cup matches with 39 wins, 14 draws, 20 losses, and a goal tally of 136 for and 85 against.
Looking ahead, despite the setback in Iceland, France remains atop the group, yet the critique from Deschamps signals mounting pressure. With two decisive November fixtures on the horizon, the “Les Bleus” aim to secure direct qualification while managing injuries and a strong Ukrainian challenge.
Punchline 1 (Sniper style): If defending were a target, France just turned it into a moving, wind-swept obstacle course—great for a cardio workout, not for a clean sheet.
Punchline 2 (Sniper style): And the referee almost had the Icelandic whistle in his pocket—too bad it turned into a lullaby and France fell asleep at the wheel just long enough for the equalizer to sneak in.
