Kylian Mbappe has once again shown how important he is for France in their World Cup 2026 qualifying bid – he ensured a difficult 2-1 victory against Iceland.
The Real Madrid star equalized from the penalty spot late in the first half of the match and moved second on France’s all-time scoring list, only behind Olivier Giroud. He later assisted Bradley Barcola, who scored the game-winning goal a bit past the hour mark.
Early, the visitors shocked the French audience when Andri Lucas Gudjohnsen penalized a bad back pass from Michael Olise to give Iceland a 17th-minute lead. Gudjohnsen believed he had saved a point late on, but VAR rejected his attempt for a foul on Ibrahima Konate. France also had to handle the final 20 minutes playing with ten men after Aurelien Tchouameni got a red card, but Didier Deschamps’ boys kept their composure to preserve their immaculate start.
Mbappe’s impact is still shaping France’s campaign. Without Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue on the bench, the French assault lacked its typical vitality. Mbappe’s mix of leadership, inventiveness, and clinical finishing guaranteed France held Group D, where they currently have six points from two games, in check.
Following the game, Deschamps commended his captain’s tenacity, mobility, and selflessness, saying he was full of appreciation. He drew attention to the forward’s developing leadership traits and ability to adjust and connect play with colleagues like Olise. Mbappé is a talisman who inspires the whole team for the coach, not just a goal scorer.
With Spain the last team to defeat them on French ground, France’s winning run at World Cup qualifiers now runs over three decades. Still, the dependence on Mbappe is undeniable; his direct participation in both goals highlighted his value for the team’s aspirations.
Starting with a home game against Azerbaijan before a difficult trip to Reykjavik to meet Iceland once again, attention now shifts to their October schedule. For Deschamps, maintaining France’s dominance in the group will depend on preserving momentum while dealing with injuries.
