France were denied early World Cup qualification after being held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in Reykjavik.
Les Bleus, needing a win and for Ukraine to drop points against Azerbaijan to seal their spot at next year’s finals, fell behind when Victor Palsson bundled in from close range midway through the first half.
Christopher Nkunku levelled after the break with a superb curling effort before Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta marked his first start for France by tapping in Maghnes Akliouche’s cross to make it 2-1.
However, Iceland hit back 10 minutes later as substitute Kristian Hlynsson finished off a swift counter-attack to snatch a point.
Despite the draw, France remain top of Group D, three points ahead of Ukraine, who beat Azerbaijan 2-1 thanks to Ruslan Malinovskyi’s second-half strike.
Didier Deschamps’ side can still secure qualification when they face Ukraine in Paris on 13 November.
