Selfless leader' Kylian Mbappe earns glowing praise from Didier Deschamps after vital penalty in France's narrow win against Iceland

French hero Mbappe once again delivered when it mattered most as France edged Iceland 2-1 in a tense World Cup 2026 qualifier. The Madrid forward equalised from the penalty spot late in the first half, a strike that lifted him to second on France’s all-time scoring list, behind only Olivier Giroud. He then turned provider, setting up Bradley Barcola for the decisive goal just past the hour mark.

Iceland, however, made France sweat in the match on Tuesday, Andri Lucas Gudjohnsen capitalised on a sloppy back pass from Michael Olise to put the visitors in front after 17 minutes, before later believing he had snatched a dramatic equaliser in the closing stages. His finish was chalked off after VAR spotted a shirt pull on Ibrahima Konate, sparing France’s blushes.

The hosts also had to survive the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Aurelien Tchouameni’s red card, but Didier Deschamps’ men held firm to claim three points. The result leaves France top of Group D with six points from two matches, three clear of Iceland, as their perfect start to qualifying continues.

This was a performance that highlighted France’s dependence on Mbappe’s brilliance. Missing attacking options like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue due to injury, France struggled at times to break down a disciplined Iceland side. Yet Mbappe’s ability to not only score but also create ensured Deschamps’ team maintained control of their qualifying campaign.

France’s unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers now stretches to over three decades, with Spain the only nation to have defeated them in that span. The reliance on Mbappe, however, remains striking, his involvement in both goals underscoring his role as captain and talisman, which was also highlighted by the national team's coach. 

Speaking after the match, Deschamps was effusive in his praise for his captain: "He's in a good mood. He's got the legs, he's putting in a lot of effort and coming up with a lot of solutions. He's effective because he scored in both matches.. He's the leader. He's selfless, he's comfortable in the game, he has freedom, he can drop back and he has a good understanding with Michael [Olise]."

France’s focus now shifts to their next round of qualifiers, starting with a home fixture against Azerbaijan on October 10 before a tricky away trip to Iceland three days later. With six points already secured, another positive international window could all but cement their control over Group D. For Deschamps, the challenge will be managing squad depth as injuries continue to disrupt his options.