Iceland vs France: prediction & betting odds 13 October 2025

The Matchday 8 World Cup 2026 qualifier between Iceland and France will take place on October 13 at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavik. Iceland vs. France: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Iceland

Arnar Gunnlaugsson's team had an excellent start to the current qualifying cycle, thrashing Azerbaijan 5-0 at home. However, they struggled against the other group opponents, despite showing decent performances – losing to France (1-2) and Ukraine (3-5). As a result, after the first round, Iceland is in 3rd place, trailing the leader by 6 points and Ukraine by 1 point. It's also worth noting that Iceland's matches average 5.3 goals.

• In their last 10 World Cup qualifiers, Iceland has won only 2 matches (3 draws and 5 losses).
• At least 4 goals have been scored in 5 of Iceland's last 6 home games in this tournament.
• At home, Iceland has failed to win 5 of their last 7 World Cup qualifying matches (2 draws and 3 losses).

Predicted lineup for Iceland (4-3-3)

Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson – Sverrir Ingason, Victor Palsson, Mikael Ellertsson, Daniel Leo Gretarsson – Stefán Thórdarson, Isak Johannesson, Hakon Haraldsson – Albert Gudmundsson, Saevar Magnusson, Brynjolfur Willumsson.

Forward Andri Gudjohnsen is out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

France

The team confidently leads Group D, having collected the maximum points after 3 rounds, a feat not achieved since 1984. The French have defeated all their group opponents: away against Ukraine (2-0), and at home against Iceland (2-1) and Azerbaijan (3-0). Consequently, France's winning streak in World Cup qualifiers now stands at 6 matches. Additionally, in their last six games in this tournament, the team has conceded only 1 goal. Didier Deschamps' side can secure World Cup qualification in this round.

• The team is unbeaten in 15 World Cup qualifying matches – 11 wins and 4 draws.
• No more than two goals have been scored in 8 of France's last 11 games in this tournament.
• France has won 5 of their last 6 away World Cup qualifying matches (1 draw).

Predicted lineup for France (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan – Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, William Saliba – Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot – Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise, Florian Thauvin – Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni will miss the October matches due to a 2-match suspension. Midfielder Désiré Doué, forwards Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembélé, and defender Ibrahima Konaté are out due to injuries. Defender Benjamin Pavard has been called up.

Referee

Orel Grinfeld (Israel)

Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024–2025);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 44;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 26;

Penalties – 22%.

Iceland vs. France: Match Prediction

Iceland has a decent attacking line, but focusing on offensive actions often leads to defensive lapses, resulting in conceding more than they score. Ukraine capitalized on this in the last round, defeating Iceland 5-3 at their home ground. France's attacking potential is even higher, so even without Kylian Mbappe, the visitors should secure a confident victory.

In their last six away matches in this qualifier, France has won 5, conceding just 1 goal (against Ukraine in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers). I believe France's defense will neutralize the hosts' forwards and keep a clean sheet. Iceland has won only 3 of their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches, against Liechtenstein (twice) and Azerbaijan.

My prediction – France with a handicap (-1.5)