France edge past Iceland (2-1) in 2026 World Cup qualifier – Bradley Barcola shines
France claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Iceland in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with their attacking players making the difference. Among them, Bradley Barcola stood out through his work rate and ability to create danger on the flank. Here’s a closer look at his performance.
Bradley Barcola: a constant presence up front
The PSG winger was one of the most active players on the pitch, touching the ball 41 times — one of the highest tallies among the French forwards. His availability on the wing helped stretch the Icelandic block and create numerous attacking situations.
Offensively, Barcola registered two shots (one on target) and a total of 0.89 expected goals (xG), showing his presence in the box and ability to generate clear chances. However, he lacked a finishing touch, failing to score despite being well-positioned.
Technical precision and collective involvement
Barcola also contributed with his passing game: 29 successful passes out of 41 attempts (71%), a decent figure but one that highlights room for improvement, especially in the final third. His creative input, though, stood out — he finished with two key passes, ranking alongside Kylian Mbappé as one of the team’s top creators.
His dribbling caused problems for the Icelandic defence, completing three successful dribbles. While not everything came off, his willingness to take on defenders kept up the pressure on Iceland’s deep block.
Defensive impact and work rate
True to his PSG role, Barcola didn’t just attack: he tracked back diligently. Winning four of his nine duels and making several covering runs, he helped maintain the team’s balance. Such efforts were crucial in a match where France occasionally left spaces in transition.
Comparison and outlook
Compared to his recent PSG displays, Barcola stayed true to form: plenty of activity and penetration, but still lacking clinical edge. His finishing and decision-making in the final third remain areas for improvement.
Even so, his showing against Iceland confirms his growing importance for Didier Deschamps. With a different profile to Dembélé and Coman, Barcola brings speed, verticality and relentless running. Ahead of upcoming fixtures, he could become a key offensive option off the bench.
Conclusion
France’s win over Iceland owed much to the energy of its wingers. Bradley Barcola, though not on the scoresheet, showed he can ignite a game with his runs and initiative. Still imperfect in front of goal, he remains a credible and refreshing option for the future of Les Bleus.
Key stats – Bradley Barcola vs Iceland
4 duels won out of 9
41 touches
29/41 passes completed (71%)
2 key passes
2 shots (1 on target) – 0.89 xG
3 successful dribbles
