Ethan Mbappé makes U21 debut as France draws in Iceland

France’s U21 side drew 1-1 with Iceland on Friday afternoon in Euro U21 qualifying, squandering an opportunity to strengthen their group-leading position. Ethan Mbappé, 19, seized the chance to make his debut for the Espoirs.

Gérald Baticle’s side led the group before this trip, but can now be caught at the top by Switzerland, who face Luxembourg later in the evening. However, the Swiss will have a game in hand. For France, the consequence is immediate: a win is now mandatory in Estonia, bottom of the group, in four days’ time.

Mathys Tel had opened the scoring in the 31st minute, finishing off a dribble by Senny Mayulu in front of the Iceland goalkeeper. But the hosts equalized early in the second half thanks to a free kick from Daniel Tristan Gudjohnsen — the third son of Eidur, whose two older brothers are already senior internationals. Ewen Jaouen could do nothing about the strike.

Coming on in the 67th minute in place of Saïmon Bouabré, Ethan Mbappé animated play down the right and created several dangerous situations late in the match. The LOSC midfielder showed enough to hope for a place in the squad. Tel, meanwhile, missed several chances in the second half, while the defense led by the pairing Jaydee Canvot-Nathan Zézé sometimes struggled against Iceland’s attacks.

The Espoirs, wearing the green shirt brought out for the 2026 World Cup, could not find the resources to claim all three points. The trip to Estonia next Tuesday looms as a character test.