World Cup Qualifiers: France Held by Iceland

France’s perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign came to an end on Monday as they were held to a 2–2 draw away to Iceland in Group D.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first international goal to put France 2–1 ahead in just his second appearance after Christopher Nkunku had equalized following Victor Palsson’s opener. But Kristján Helgason struck late to earn the hosts a deserved point.

France remain top of Group D with ten points from four matches, three clear of Ukraine, who beat Azerbaijan 2–1 earlier on Monday.

Les Bleus will host Ukraine in Paris on November 13 in what could prove a decisive clash in the race for a place at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.