World Cup Qualifying Shocker: France Stumble While Kosovo Strikes Again Against Sweden

Well, it wasn’t quite the fairy tale night the French fans dreamed of, as their World Cup qualification hopes hit a little bump when Iceland staunchly held the two-time winners to a 2-2 deadlock. The game unfolded in Reykjavik with Victor Palsson sneaking ahead on the scoreboard right before halftime, capitalizing on a lapse in France’s defense to nod home a set-piece delivery. France, ever the resilient squad, found their footing in the second half through Christopher Nkunku’s clinical strike, swiftly followed by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s breakthrough goal—a personal milestone for the striker at 28. Just when it looked like Les Bleus might seal it, Iceland’s Kristian Hlynssson fired back with a vibrant finish, ensuring the points would be shared. Despite this hiccup, France still leads Group D by a comfortable margin over Ukraine, who themselves flexed muscles against Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, across other groups, power shifts continued with Germany edging Northern Ireland, Belgium overpowering Wales, and Sweden’s World Cup dreams unraveling post a defeat to Kosovo. The qualification saga certainly keeps its twists and turns… and I’m right here for all of it. LEARN MORE

France suffered a slight setback in their World Cup qualification campaign as the two-time champions and 2022 runners-up were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland.

Victor Palsson put Iceland ahead in the 39th minute in Reykjavik when he turned home after France failed to deal with a free-kick into the box.

Christopher Nkunku levelled matters in the 63rd minute when he cut in from the left and fired an unerring low shot into the bottom-right corner.

Jean-Philippe Mateta then completed the turnaround five minutes later, converting from Maghnes Akliouche’s cross to net his first senior international goal at the age of 28.

Yet it would not be the decisive moment, with Kristian Hlynssson responding two minutes later with an emphatic finish at the end of a brilliant Iceland move.

Les Bleus remain in command of Group D, holding a three-point lead over Ukraine, who beat Azerbaijan 3-1. Iceland are three points further back in third.

While France slipped up, Germany beat Northern Ireland 1-0 through Nick Woltemade’s first-half header. They are top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Slovakia, who overcame Luxembourg 2-0.

Belgium now have command of Group J after a 4-2 away win over Wales. They are two points clear after North Macedonia were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan.

Sweden 0-1 Kosovo

Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup are in tatters after to losing Kosovo for the second time in the campaign.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men were beaten 2-0 in Pristina last month, and they fared little better in Gothenberg, where Fisnik Asllani put Kosovo ahead by prodding home from close range in the 32nd minute.

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres endured an extremely frustrating evening as Sweden drew a blank for the third straight game, leaving them bottom of Group B, six points behind second-placed Kosovo with two games to play.

Switzerland top the group on 10 points after being held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia.