Reykjavik – Iceland‘s coach, Arnar Bergmann Gunnlaugsson, subtly rebuked France manager didier Deschamps following Deschamps’ post-match complaints about the officiating during a 2-2 draw on October 14, 2025. Gunnlaugsson’s response, delivered with pointed irony, injected further tension into a World Cup qualifying match that leaves Group D wide open.
Deschamps publicly voiced his frustration with refereeing decisions during the match,specifically citing a contested free kick and a potential foul prior to iceland’s opening goal,labeling the outcome an “injustice.” Gunnlaugsson, however, deftly deflected the criticism, referencing a goal disallowed for Iceland during the first leg in paris. “Maybe there was a mistake, maybe not,” Gunnlaugsson stated with a smirk. “Sometimes karma is good. In Paris, I think Konaté was not to blame.”
The draw positions Iceland, nicknamed “Strákarnir okkar,” in third place in Group D with 4 points, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 world cup alive. France, despite dominating possession, struggled to break down the Icelandic defense and convert opportunities. The match, initially published at 08:37 and updated at 11:22 local time, underscores the competitive nature of the qualifying campaign and the high stakes involved for both nations. The result adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding refereeing consistency in international football and sets the stage for a potentially decisive return leg.
