Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first senior goal for France in a World Cup qualifier against Iceland. On a maiden start for Les Bleus, Mateta converted a calm, composed finish in the 68th minute to open his international account, helping France momentarily seize the lead in a pulsating 2–2 draw in Reykjavik.
The evening was one of mixed emotions for the forward. While the goal was a landmark for Mateta — finally breaking his goalscoring duck at senior international level — the result saw France surrender the lead just two minutes later as Iceland struck back.
The match ended in a draw, a result that underlined both the promise and the fragility of France’s campaign in Group D.
From the first whistle, there was an expected nervousness to Mateta’s start for France. He had represented the nation at youth levels and starred in the Olympic side that won the silver medal in Paris, but a senior goal had eluded him. On the historic night, though, he did not seem overawed.
When the chance arrived, he delivered. His strike came at the back post, meeting a cross and dispatching it with precision. The goal ignited wild celebrations among the travelling contingent of Palace supporters and national team staff alike.
After the match, Mateta reflected on his achievement with humility and ambition. “I am very happy,” he said, speaking to the French press. “It’s a special moment. I’ve thought about this for a long time. There was belief, patience, and work.”
He recounted that he had to wait for his moment, but when it came, he was ready to take it. The magnitude of scoring such a goal on debut only accentuates how much this night means to him.
For the French camp, Mateta’s goal is a sign of depth and possibilities in a forward line that is often under intense scrutiny. Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, has publicly urged Mateta to continue proving his worth.
As the squad faces Azerbaijan and Iceland in upcoming matches, Deschamps underscored that Mateta must demonstrate his value “in the team, in training and during matches.”
“Mateta was called up because of his good habit of scoring goals,” Deschamps noted before the international window, reminding observers that this opportunity is not merely symbolic. Indeed, Mateta has been prolific in recent seasons for Crystal Palace, scoring 17 goals in the previous season and helping guide the club to their first FA Cup.
That form has not gone unnoticed, and this international breakthrough adds another layer to his growing reputation.
Yet France, for all their attacking firepower, could not ultimately hold on. After Mateta’s strike, Iceland responded almost immediately, leveling the contest and extinguishing what had been a brief glimmer of dominance for Les Bleus.
The 2–2 draw reflected the back-and-forth nature of the match, the resilience of the hosts, and ultimately the fine margins that govern World Cup qualification.