This Tuesday, the French national team will play against Iceland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at 8:45 PM CET at the Parc des Princes. On the eve of the match, Le Parisien and L’Équipe attempted to predict the starting lineup that coach Didier Deschamps will choose. The match involves three players from Paris Saint-Germain, all French: Lucas Chevalier, Lucas Hernandez, and Bradley Barcola. The latter is expected to start, although the formation is still uncertain.
Le Parisien (4-4-2) –
Thuram – Mbappé
Barcola – Koné – Tchouameni – Olise
T. Hernandez – Upamecano – Konaté – Koundé
Maignan
L’Équipe (4-2-3-1) –
Mbappé
Thuram – Olise – Barcola
Koné – Tchouameni
T. Hernandez – Upamecano – Konaté – Koundé
Maignan
The same players are listed in both formations, so we can assume that part is accurate. Although a surprise is always possible, the media are often quite close to the truth when it comes to coach Didier Deschamps. He has opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation recently and could continue with it, although a switch to 4-4-2 is possible. Especially since there are similarities, and one formation can easily be adapted to the other depending on the tactical approach.
However, the players are positioned differently in the two proposed lineups. And L’Équipe suggested a 4-4-2 yesterday. This is somewhat confusing. We’ll have to wait until tonight to know for sure. Including whether Barcola will indeed start. Hopefully, if that’s the case, it’s because he is in top physical condition. Another injury, after those of Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, would be very problematic.
