Jump to content

Iceland national football team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Iceland women's national football team.

Iceland
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Strákarnir okkar (Our Boys)
AssociationKnattspyrnusamband Íslands (KSÍ)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachÅge Hareide[1]
CaptainAron Gunnarsson
Most capsBirkir Bjarnason (113)
Top scorerGylfi Sigurðsson (27)
Home stadiumLaugardalsvöllur
FIFA codeISL
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 70 Increase 1 (24 October 2024)[2]
Highest18 (February–March 2018)
Lowest131 (April–June 2012)
First international
Unofficial
 Faroe Islands 0–1 Iceland 
(Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; 29 July 1930)[3]
Official
 Iceland 0–3 Denmark 
(Reykjavík, Iceland; 17 July 1946)[4]
Biggest win
Unofficial
 Iceland 9–0 Faroe Islands 
(Keflavík, Iceland; 10 July 1985)[5]
Official
 Liechtenstein 0–7 Iceland 
(Vaduz, Liechtenstein; 26 March 2023)
Biggest defeat
 Denmark 14–2 Iceland 
(Copenhagen, Denmark; 23 August 1967)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2018)
Best resultGroup stage (2018)
European Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2016)
Best resultQuarter-finals (2016)
Greenland Cup
Appearances2 (first in 1980)
Best resultChampions (1980, 1984)
Baltic Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2022)
Best resultChampions (2022)

The Iceland national football team (Icelandic: Íslenska karlalandsliðið í knattspyrnu) represents Iceland in men's international football. The team is controlled by the Football Association of Iceland, and have been a FIFA member since 1947 and a UEFA member since 1957. The team's nickname is Strákarnir okkar, which means Our Boys in Icelandic.

The team enjoyed success in the second half of the 2010s. In the qualifying rounds for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Iceland reached the playoffs before losing to Croatia. Iceland reached its first major tournament, UEFA Euro 2016, after a qualification campaign which included home and away wins over the Netherlands. After reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2016, Iceland defeated England in the Round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals, where they lost to host nation France 5–2. They became the smallest nation by population ever to clinch a FIFA World Cup berth when they qualified for the 2018 tournament on 9 October 2017.[7] They drew with Argentina in their opening match, but went out in the group stage.[8][9]

History

[edit]

20th century

[edit]

Although Úrvalsdeild, the Icelandic Football League, was founded in 1912,[10] the country's first international match was played on 29 July 1930, against the Faroe Islands.[11] Although Iceland won 1–0 away, both teams were at the time unaffiliated with FIFA.[12] The first match officially recognised by FIFA took place in Reykjavík on 17 July 1946, a 0–3 loss to their future rivals Denmark.[13] The first international victory was against Finland in 1947.[14] For the first 20 years of the Football Association of Iceland (KSÍ)'s existence, the team mostly did not participate in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship. In 1954, Iceland applied to take part in qualification for the 1954 World Cup, but the application was rejected.[11] In qualification for the 1958 World Cup, Iceland finished last in their group with zero wins, conceding 26 goals.[11]

In 1980, Iceland won the first edition of the friendly tournament known as the Greenland Cup.[15]

Since 1974, the team has taken part in qualifying for every World Cup and European Championship. In 1994, the team reached their then best ever position in the FIFA World Rankings, 37th. This record stood until 2016 when they managed to reach 21st.[16] In a friendly against Estonia on 24 April 1996 in Tallinn, Eiður Smári Guðjohnsen entered as a substitute for his father Arnór. This marked the first time that a father and son played in the same international match.[17]

21st century

[edit]
Iceland national football team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Rostov-on-Don, Russia

In qualification for Euro 2004, Iceland finished third in their group, one point behind Scotland.[18] As a result, they failed to qualify for a playoff spot.[19]

However, the following qualifying campaigns will be much more difficult for Iceland which will flirt with the last places of its respective groups, in particular during the Euro 2008 qualifiers where despite two unexpected successes against Northern Ireland (3–0 in the opening away, 2–1 at home in the return) and a heroic resistance in the first and second leg against the Spanish future winners of the competition (a 1–1 draw at home after having led the score and a short 0–1 defeat away), Our boys suffered several other heavy defeats, including two against Latvia, who had qualified for Euro 2004 as a surprise (0–4 away, 2–4 home), and one against Liechtenstein (0–3 away, after a 1–1 home draw).

The reasons for the lack of results of the selection were due to the absence of professionals on the island, the Icelanders played soccer for fun. Moreover, the hostile climate where winter lasts 8 months did not help the development of the sport, there were only two synthetic fields forcing the footballers to train on the gravel or in the snow. In the 2000s, Icelandic soccer will experience a real revolution. The economic boom will allow the authorities to create important structures with indoor pitches in synthetic turf, which results in the practice of soccer all year round without worrying about the weather conditions outside. These new structures encourage young people to turn to sports and even lead to a decrease in alcohol and tobacco consumption among teenagers.[20]

In 2014, Iceland almost secured qualification for their first World Cup.[21] Finishing second in Group D, they played Croatia in a two-leg playoff for qualification.[22][23] After holding them to a 0–0 draw in the home leg, they lost 2–0 away.[24]

Euro 2016

[edit]

Iceland qualified for a major tournament for the first time in 2015 after finishing second in Group A of qualification for Euro 2016, losing only two games, and beating the Netherlands – which had finished third in the 2014 World Cup – twice.[25][26][27][28] During the qualification, they reached their then highest ranking in the FIFA World Rankings, 23rd.[29][30] Iceland were drawn into a group with Portugal, Hungary and Austria for the final tournament.

At the tournament finals, Iceland recorded 1–1 draws in their first two group stage matches against Portugal and Hungary. They then advanced from their group with a 2–1 victory against Austria.[31] Iceland qualified for the tournament's quarter-finals after a 2–1 upset win over England in the Round of 16, which led to England manager Roy Hodgson resigning in disgrace immediately after the final whistle.[32] However, they were eliminated by host nation France in the quarter-finals, 5–2.[33]

World Cup team 2018

2018 World Cup

[edit]

Iceland qualified for the 2018 World Cup, their first ever appearance in the world championship and second major tournament overall, securing qualification on 9 October 2017 after a 2–0 win against Kosovo. In doing so, they became the lowest-populated country ever to reach the finals.[34] Iceland were drawn to play Croatia, Argentina and Nigeria in a group that was considered by many as the "group of death".[35][36] Despite a challenging group, Iceland were tipped to advance from the group by several journalist websites, based on their impressive performance in Euro 2016.[37] Their maiden match at the World Cup was against 2014 runners-up Argentina, with Iceland holding Argentina to a 1–1 draw.[38][39] However, their chances of advancing from the group were hurt following a 2–0 loss to Nigeria, with several missed opportunities in the first half and a penalty kick in the second half missed by Gylfi Sigurðsson, putting Iceland in position to play a decisive match against already qualified Croatia.[40][41] Iceland lost to Croatia in their final group game and were eliminated; and because Argentina won against Nigeria, Iceland finished bottom of the group with a single point.[42][43]

2018–19 UEFA Nations League

[edit]

After Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, Iceland participated in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, in which they were in Group 2 of League A with Switzerland and Belgium. Many of Iceland's international matches in this competition were undermined by the repeated absence of some of their key players, often due to injury. Iceland lost all four games and faced relegation to League B,[44] but due to a rule change by UEFA, Iceland was not relegated to League B for the 2020–2021 edition.

Euro 2020 qualifiers

[edit]

In group H of the Euro qualifiers with the world champions France, Turkey, Albania, Andorra and Moldova. Iceland lost both confrontations against Les Bleus (4–0 at the Stade de France and 1–0 at home on a penalty kick after the hour of play at the end of a tight game) and the away match against Albania 4–2, though achieved a win and a draw against Turkey. Iceland finished third behind France and Turkey and advanced to the playoffs, where they defeated Romania 2–1. On 12 November 2020, in their playoff game against Hungary, Iceland nearly secured qualification for Euro 2020, having led 1–0 for most of the match, thanks to a direct free kick by Gylfi Sigurðsson. However, Hungary scored two goals in under five minutes, the first in the 88th minute by Loïc Nego and the second in the second minute of added time by Dominik Szoboszlai, proving to be the winner, thereby securing qualification at Iceland's expense.[45]

Iceland had also suffered poor results in their UEFA Nations League campaign in League A, having lost all their group stage matches and failing to garner a single point, resulting in their relegation to League B the following season.[46] Manager Erik Hamrén ultimately resigned, following their poor performance that year.[47]

2022 World Cup qualifiers

[edit]

Iceland also had a poor start to 2022 World Cup qualifiers, suffering two defeats at the beginning of the tournament, away against Germany (0–3) and Armenia (0–2). Preparation for the September games, where Iceland had the advantage of playing all three games at home after several away games and had played some encouraging friendlies in June, was disrupted by extra-sporting affairs involving both Kolbeinn Sigþórsson and Gylfi Sigurðsson accused of sexual offences[48][49] and thus absent from the month's games. The cases also led to the resignation of several senior officials of the Icelandic Football Association, including its president.[50] In the aftermath of these affairs, Iceland lost against Romania (0–2), drew against North Macedonia (2–2), and suffered a heavy loss against Germany (0–4); these results left Iceland in second-to-last place in Group J with four matches remaining. In the two October games, Iceland drew against Armenia (1–1) and defeated Liechtenstein (4–0). Despite these results, along with an away draw against Romania (0–0), Iceland was mathematically eliminated with one day remaining, being unable to recover enough points to reach second place.

This run of poor results has been attributed to several factors, both sporting and extra-sporting: the late generational renewal, a process partly hampered by a limited pool of footballers due to Iceland's demographics; the questionable tactical choices of the new coach, resulting in a lack of automatism among new players who are not used to playing together and the absence of a real standard team; and sexual assault scandals that have effectively sidelined some of the team's best players under investigation.[51][52]

Euro 2024 qualifiers

[edit]

The Euro 2024 qualifiers have also got off to a poor start in terms of results, with just one win and 3 defeats after 4 matches and a provisional penultimate place. Iceland were swept aside in Bosnia (0–3), before recording the biggest official victory in their history against Liechtenstein (7–0). Following a long series of poor results, Icelandic coach Arnar Viðarsson was sacked[53] and replaced by Norwegian Åge Hareide. Under the new coach and after two away games, Iceland hosted Slovakia and Portugal, but both matches ended in defeat. First, Strákarnir okkar lost to the Slovaks (1–2) after a crude defensive error with a direct clearance to Tomáš Suslov, who scored Slovakia's 2nd goal when the teams were level. Iceland then put in a better performance than in their previous matches against group favourites Portugal, demonstrating excellent tactical organization and keeping the Lusitanians at bay for long periods. However, a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo on his 200th appearance for Portugal, initially disallowed but then validated by VAR at the very end of normal time, sealed Portugal's victory (0–1), shortly after the Nordic side had been reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card for Willum Þór Willumsson. Iceland finished 4th in their group with a disappointing record of 3 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats, but were eligible for the play-offs thanks to their performance in the Nations League. In the semi-final of the Path B play-offs, Iceland set a benchmark against a top 100 FIFA team for the first time in several years by brushing aside Israel 4–1, thanks to a hat-trick from Albert Guðmundsson, while Israel finished the match with 10 men and missed a penalty to equalise. In the decisive match against Ukraine, Iceland opened the scoring through Albert Guðmundsson and led at half-time, but conceded 2 goals in the second half and lost (1–2) in a similar fashion to the previous Euro play-off lost in Budapest against the Hungarians.

Team image

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iceland national football team kits.
Laugardalsvöllur, Iceland's national football stadium

The national team uses blue as the home colours and white as their second colours; their crest features stylized imagery of Iceland's four landvættir (guardian spirits) in local folklore: a giant, a dragon, a bull, and an eagle. The team's crest was adopted in 2020 and was designed by Reykjavík-based firm Bradenburg. Previously the team had used a team crest which featured a shield-type symbol which consisted of the abbreviation of the Football Association of Iceland in Icelandic (KSI), stripes in the colors of the Flag of Iceland, and a football.[54][55]

Iceland's supporters became known for using the Viking Thunder Clap chant in the mid-2010s, which involves fans clapping their hands above their heads and yelling "huh!" to the beat of a drum; the tradition originates from Scottish club Motherwell Iceland's Viking Clap first received wider international attention during Euro 2016.[56]

Kit providers

[edit]

The official kit is produced by German sports manufacturing company Puma since 2020. Before that the kit providers were Umbro (1975), Adidas (1976–1992), ABM (1992–1996), Reusch (1996–2001) and Erreà (2002–2020)

Kit provider Period
England Umbro 1975
Germany Adidas 1976–1991
Italy ABM 1992–1996
Germany Reusch 1996–2001
Italy Erreà 2002–2020
Germany Puma 2020–

Results and fixtures

[edit]
Main article: Iceland national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

[edit]
19 November 2023 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Portugal  2–0  Iceland Lisbon, Portugal
20:45 (19:45 UTC±0)
Report Stadium: Estádio José Alvalade
Attendance: 45,655
Referee: Anastasios Papapetrou (Greece)

[57][58][59][60]

2024

[edit]
13 January 2024 Friendly Guatemala  0–1  Iceland Fort Lauderdale, United States
19:00 UTC−5 Report
Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium
Referee: Rubiel Vazquez (United States)
17 January 2024 Friendly Honduras  0–2  Iceland Fort Lauderdale, United States
20:00 UTC−5 Report
Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium
Referee: Natalie Simon (United States)
21 March 2024 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying play-offs Israel  1–4  Iceland Budapest, Hungary[note 1]
20:45
Report
Stadium: Szusza Ferenc Stadion
Attendance: 1,226
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
26 March 2024 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying play-offs Ukraine  2–1  Iceland Wrocław, Poland[note 2]
20:45
Report
Stadium: Wrocław Stadium
Attendance: 29,310
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
7 June 2024 Friendly England  0–1  Iceland London, England
19:45 Report
Stadium: Wembley Stadium
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)
10 June 2024 Friendly Netherlands  4–0  Iceland Rotterdam, Netherlands
20:45 (UTC+1)
Report Stadium: De Kuip
Referee: Evangelos Manouchos (Greece)
6 September 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B Iceland  2–0  Montenegro Reykjavík, Iceland
18:45 UTC±0
Report Stadium: Laugardalsvöllur
Attendance: 4,683
Referee: Willy Delajod (France)
9 September 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B Turkey  3–1  Iceland İzmir, Turkey
21:45 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Gürsel Aksel Stadium
Attendance: 16,167
Referee: Enea Jorgji (Albania)
11 October 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B Iceland  2–2  Wales Reykjavík, Iceland
18:45 UTC±0
Report
Stadium: Laugardalsvöllur
Attendance: 6,141
Referee: Antoni Bandić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
14 October 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B Iceland  2–4  Turkey Reykjavík, Iceland
18:45 UTC±0
Report
Stadium: Laugardalsvöllur
Attendance: 5,260
Referee: Damian Sylwestrzak (Poland)
16 November 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B Montenegro  0–2  Iceland Nikšić, Montenegro
18:00 UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Gradski stadion
Attendance: 2,354
Referee: Sven Jablonski (Germany)
19 November 2024 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B Wales  4–1  Iceland Cardiff, Wales
19:45 UTC±0
Report
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Referee: António Nobre (Portugal)

2025

[edit]
4 January 2025 Friendly Haiti  v  Iceland TBD, United States
Stadium: TBD
10 January 2025 Friendly Puerto Rico  v  Iceland TBD, United States
Stadium: TBD

Coaching staff

[edit]
See also: List of Iceland national football team managers
Position Name
Head coach Norway Åge Hareide
Assistant coach Iceland Davíð Snorri Jónasson[63]
Technical advisor Iceland Bjarni Jakobsson
Training coach Iceland Birkir Eyjólfsson
Fitness coach Iceland Ari Þór Örlygsson
First-Team Doctor Iceland Jóhannes Rúnarsson
Goalkeeper coach Iceland Halldór Björnsson
Athletic coach Iceland Arnór Snær Guðmundsson
Physiotherapist Iceland Sverrir Sigþórsson

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following players were selected for the UEFA Nations League games on 16 and 19 November 2024 against  Montenegro and  Wales, respectively.[64]

On 9 November 2024, Kolbeinn Finnsson and Daníel Leó Grétarsson withdrew from the squad due to injury and were replaced by Hlynur Freyr Karlsson and Dagur Dan Þórhallsson.[65] On 11 November 2024, Hlynur Freyr Karlsson and Mikael Anderson also withdrew from the squad due to injury and were replaced by Rúnar Þór Sigurgeirsson and Andri Baldursson.[66]

Caps and goals are correct as of 19 November 2024, after the match against Wales.[67]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Elías Rafn Ólafsson (2000-03-11) 11 March 2000 (age 24) 6 0 Denmark Midtjylland
12 1GK Hákon Valdimarsson (2001-10-13) 13 October 2001 (age 23) 17 0 England Brentford
13 1GK Lúkas Petersson (2004-01-09) 9 January 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Germany TSG Hoffenheim
2 2DF Alfons Sampsted (1998-04-06) 6 April 1998 (age 26) 23 0 England Birmingham City
3 2DF Valgeir Lunddal Friðriksson (2001-09-24) 24 September 2001 (age 23) 15 0 Germany Fortuna Düsseldorf
4 2DF Victor Pálsson (1991-04-30) 30 April 1991 (age 33) 47 2 England Plymouth Argyle
5 2DF Sverrir Ingi Ingason (1993-08-05) 5 August 1993 (age 31) 55 3 Greece Panathinaikos
6 2DF Rúnar Þór Sigurgeirsson (1999-12-28) 28 December 1999 (age 24) 2 0 Netherlands Willem II
14 2DF Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (2000-05-02) 2 May 2000 (age 24) 6 0 United States Orlando City
7 3MF Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson (vice-captain) (1990-10-27) 27 October 1990 (age 34) 99 8 Saudi Arabia Al-Orobah
10 3MF Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson (2003-03-23) 23 March 2003 (age 21) 31 4 Germany Fortuna Düsseldorf
11 3MF Jón Dagur Þorsteinsson (1998-11-26) 26 November 1998 (age 25) 42 6 Germany Hertha Berlin
15 3MF Willum Þór Willumsson (1998-10-23) 23 October 1998 (age 26) 15 0 England Birmingham City
16 3MF Stefán Teitur Þórðarson (1998-10-16) 16 October 1998 (age 26) 26 1 England Preston North End
19 3MF Júlíus Magnússon (1998-06-28) 28 June 1998 (age 26) 5 0 Norway Fredrikstad
20 3MF Andri Baldursson (2002-01-10) 10 January 2002 (age 22) 10 0 Sweden Elfsborg
21 3MF Arnór Ingvi Traustason (1993-04-30) 30 April 1993 (age 31) 63 6 Sweden IFK Norrköping
23 3MF Mikael Egill Ellertsson (2002-03-11) 11 March 2002 (age 22) 19 1 Italy Venezia
8 4FW Brynjólfur Willumsson (2000-08-12) 12 August 2000 (age 24) 2 1 Netherlands Groningen
9 4FW Orri Óskarsson (2004-08-29) 29 August 2004 (age 20) 14 5 Spain Real Sociedad
18 4FW Sævar Atli Magnússon (2000-06-16) 16 June 2000 (age 24) 5 0 Denmark Lyngby
22 4FW Andri Guðjohnsen (2002-01-29) 29 January 2002 (age 22) 30 8 Belgium Gent

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have also been called up to the Iceland squad in the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Patrik Gunnarsson (2000-11-15) 15 November 2000 (age 24) 4 0 Belgium Kortrijk v.  Turkey, 14 October 2024
GK Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson (1995-02-18) 18 February 1995 (age 29) 27 0 Denmark Copenhagen v.  Portugal, 19 November 2023
DF Aron Gunnarsson (captain) (1989-04-22) 22 April 1989 (age 35) 104 5 Qatar Al-Gharafa v.  Wales, 19 November 2024 INJ
DF Logi Tómasson (2000-09-13) 13 September 2000 (age 24) 7 1 Norway Strømsgodset v.  Wales, 19 November 2024 SUS
DF Hlynur Freyr Karlsson (2004-04-06) 6 April 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Sweden Brommapojkarna v.  Montenegro, 16 November 2024 INJ
DF Kolbeinn Finnsson (1999-08-25) 25 August 1999 (age 25) 14 0 Netherlands Utrecht v.  Montenegro, 16 November 2024 INJ
DF Daníel Leó Grétarsson (1995-10-02) 2 October 1995 (age 29) 22 0 Denmark Sønderjyske v.  Montenegro, 16 November 2024 INJ
DF Hjörtur Hermannsson (1995-02-08) 8 February 1995 (age 29) 29 1 Italy Carrarese v.  Turkey, 14 October 2024
DF Brynjar Ingi Bjarnason (1999-12-06) 6 December 1999 (age 24) 17 2 Norway HamKam v.  Montenegro, 6 September 2024 INJ
DF Guðmundur Þórarinsson (1992-04-15) 15 April 1992 (age 32) 15 0 Armenia Noah v.  Netherlands, 10 June 2024
DF Logi Hrafn Róbertsson (2004-07-22) 22 July 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Iceland FH v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024 INJ
MF Mikael Anderson (1998-07-01) 1 July 1998 (age 26) 31 2 Denmark AGF v.  Montenegro, 16 November 2024 INJ
MF Gylfi Sigurðsson (1989-09-08) 8 September 1989 (age 35) 83 27 Iceland Valur v.  Turkey, 14 October 2024
MF Arnór Sigurðsson (1999-05-15) 15 May 1999 (age 25) 34 2 England Blackburn Rovers v.  Turkey, 9 September 2024
MF Hákon Arnar Haraldsson (2003-04-10) 10 April 2003 (age 21) 19 3 France Lille v.  Montenegro, 6 September 2024 INJ
MF Kristian Hlynsson (2004-01-23) 23 January 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Netherlands Ajax v.  Netherlands, 10 June 2024
MF Anton Logi Lúðvíksson (2003-03-13) 13 March 2003 (age 21) 1 0 Norway Haugesund v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024
MF Kristall Máni Ingason (2002-01-18) 18 January 2002 (age 22) 6 0 Denmark Sønderjyske v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024
MF Birnir Snær Ingason (1996-12-04) 4 December 1996 (age 27) 1 0 Sweden Halmstad v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024
MF Kolbeinn Þórðarson (2000-03-12) 12 March 2000 (age 24) 3 0 Sweden IFK Göteborg v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024
MF Eggert Aron Guðmundsson (2004-02-08) 8 February 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Sweden Elfsborg v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024
FW Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason (2000-05-11) 11 May 2000 (age 24) 4 0 Italy Venezia v.  Netherlands, 10 June 2024
FW Albert Guðmundsson (1997-06-15) 15 June 1997 (age 27) 37 10 Italy Fiorentina v.  Ukraine, 26 March 2024
FW Alfreð Finnbogason (1989-02-01) 1 February 1989 (age 35) 73 18 Unattached v.  Ukraine, 26 March 2024 RET
FW Jason Daði Svanþórsson (1999-12-31) 31 December 1999 (age 24) 5 0 England Grimsby Town v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024
FW Ísak Þorvaldsson (2001-05-01) 1 May 2001 (age 23) 6 1 Iceland Breiðablik v.  Honduras, 17 January 2024

INJ Withdrew due to injury.
RET Retired from the national team.
SUS Serving suspension.
WD Withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

.

Records

[edit]
As of 19 November 2024.[68][69]
Players in bold are still active with Iceland.

Most appearances

[edit]
Birkir Bjarnason is Iceland's all-time most capped player with 113 caps.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Birkir Bjarnason 113 15 2010–present
2 Rúnar Kristinsson 104 3 1987–2004
Aron Gunnarsson 104 5 2008–present
4 Birkir Már Sævarsson 103 3 2007–2021
5 Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson 99 8 2008–present
6 Ragnar Sigurðsson 97 5 2007–2020
7 Kári Árnason 90 6 2005–2021
8 Hermann Hreiðarsson 89 5 1996–2011
9 Eiður Guðjohnsen 88 26 1996–2016
10 Gylfi Sigurðsson 83 27 2010–present
Ari Freyr Skúlason 83 0 2009–2021

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Gylfi Sigurðsson is Iceland's all-time top scorer with 27 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Gylfi Sigurðsson 27 83 0.33 2010–present
2 Kolbeinn Sigþórsson 26 64 0.41 2010–2021
Eiður Guðjohnsen 26 88 0.3 1996–2016
4 Alfreð Finnbogason 18 73 0.25 2010–2024
5 Ríkharður Jónsson 17 33 0.52 1947–1965
6 Birkir Bjarnason 15 113 0.13 2010–present
7 Ríkharður Daðason 14 44 0.32 1991–2004
Arnór Guðjohnsen 14 73 0.19 1979–1997
9 Þórður Guðjónsson 13 58 0.22 1993–2004
10 Tryggvi Guðmundsson 12 42 0.29 1997–2008
Heiðar Helguson 12 55 0.22 1999–2011

Competitive record

[edit]
For the all-time record of the national team against opposing nations, see Iceland national football team head to head.

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Main article: Iceland at the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 to Brazil 1950 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Switzerland 1954 Did not enter Did not enter
Sweden 1958 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 6 26
Chile 1962 Did not enter Did not enter
England 1966
Mexico 1970
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 6 0 0 6 2 29
Argentina 1978 6 1 0 5 2 12
Spain 1982 8 2 2 4 10 21
Mexico 1986 6 1 0 5 4 10
Italy 1990 8 1 4 3 6 11
United States 1994 8 3 2 3 7 6
France 1998 10 2 3 5 11 16
South Korea Japan 2002 10 4 1 5 14 20
Germany 2006 10 1 1 8 14 27
South Africa 2010 8 1 2 5 7 13
Brazil 2014 12 5 3 4 17 17
Russia 2018 Group stage 28th 3 0 1 2 2 5 Squad 10 7 1 2 16 7
Qatar 2022 Did not qualify 10 2 3 5 12 18
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total Group stage 1/18 3 0 1 2 2 5 — 116 30 22 64 128 233

UEFA European Championship

[edit]
Main article: Iceland at the UEFA European Championship
UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Did not enter Did not enter
Spain 1964 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 3 5
Italy 1968 Did not enter Did not enter
Belgium 1972
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 1976 Did not qualify 6 1 2 3 3 8
Italy 1980 8 0 0 8 2 21
France 1984 8 1 1 6 3 13
West Germany 1988 8 2 2 4 4 14
Sweden 1992 8 2 0 6 7 10
England 1996 8 1 2 5 3 12
Belgium Netherlands 2000 10 4 3 3 12 7
Portugal 2004 8 4 1 3 11 9
Austria Switzerland 2008 12 2 2 8 10 27
Poland Ukraine 2012 8 1 1 6 6 14
France 2016 Quarter-finals 8th 5 2 2 1 8 9 Squad 10 6 2 2 17 6
Europe 2020 Did not qualify 12 7 1 4 17 14
Germany 2024 12 4 1 7 22 19
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Total Quarter-finals 1/14 5 2 2 1 8 9 – 110 35 19 66 120 179

UEFA Nations League

[edit]
UEFA Nations League record
Season Division Group Pld W D L GF GA P/R Rank
2018–19 A 2 4 0 0 4 1 13 Same position 12th
2020–21 A 2 6 0 0 6 3 17 Fall 16th
2022–23 B 2 4 0 4 0 6 6 Same position 23rd
2024–25 B 4 To be determined
Total 14 0 4 10 10 36 12th

Honours

[edit]

Regional

[edit]

Friendly

[edit]

FIFA ranking history

[edit]

Source:[70]

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
46 47 39 50 60 72 64 43 50 52 58 58 93 94 93 90 83 92 112 104 90 49 33 36 21 22 37 39 46 62 63 71

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Due to the Israel–Hamas war, Israel are required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.[61]
  2. ^ Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine are required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.[62]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Åge Hareide nýr þjálfari A landsliðs karla". KSÍ (in Icelandic). 14 April 2023. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  3. ^ Courtney, Barrie (16 May 2008). "Faroe Islands – List of International Matches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  4. ^ Nygård, Jostein (16 May 2008). "International matches of Iceland". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  5. ^ Nygård, Jostein (16 May 2008). "International matches of Iceland". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
  6. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 18 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Iceland become smallest nation ever to qualify for World Cup finals". The Guardian. 9 October 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  8. ^ "Lionel Messi penalty saved by Halldórsson as Iceland hold Argentina". The Guardian. 16 June 2018. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  9. ^ "Iceland bow out of World Cup after defeat by Croatia in final group game". The Guardian. 26 June 2018. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  10. ^ "Icelandic Premier League – Úrvalsdeild / Pepsi-deildin (Review)". Blog.fieldoo.com/. 19 March 2014. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  11. ^ a b c Ian King (21 October 2013). "Northern Lights: The Sudden Ascent Of The Iceland National Football Team". Twohundredpercent.net. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  12. ^ "Football in Iceland | The Secret to Success | Guide to Iceland". Guide to Iceland. 23 July 2017. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  13. ^ "Iceland". beinsports.com. 3 June 2016. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  14. ^ "Iceland – Member associations". Uefa.org. 20 May 2016. Archived from the original on 23 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  15. ^ "Greenland Cups 1980-84". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  16. ^ "An Icelandic summer". Timesofmalta.com. 19 October 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  17. ^ "Iceland's father and son team". The Independent. 25 April 1996. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  18. ^ "Euro 2004 Qualifying Group Five". BBC News. 11 October 2003. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  19. ^ "Germany reach Euro 2004". BBC News. 11 October 2003. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  20. ^ "L'Islande, tout sauf un miracle". lequipe.fr. Archived from the original on 2 July 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  21. ^ Nunns, Hector (1 January 1970). "World Cup play-offs: How Iceland can set World Cup record". Bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 November 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  22. ^ "Iceland 0–0 Croatia". BBC Sport. 15 November 2013. Archived from the original on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  23. ^ "FIFA World Cup Play-Off: Croatia v Iceland". FourFourTwo.com. 17 November 2013. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  24. ^ "Croatia 2–0 Iceland". BBC Sport. 19 November 2013. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  25. ^ Bishara, Motez (6 June 2016). "Euro 2016: How tiny Iceland slays the giants". CNN. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  26. ^ "Turkey beats Dutch to go 3rd in Group A, Iceland qualifies". USA TODAY. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  27. ^ Staff, S. I. (7 September 2015). "Iceland reaches Euro 2016 for its biggest soccer achievement". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  28. ^ Christenson, Marcus; Einarsson, Magnús Már (7 September 2015). "Iceland reach Euro 2016 but Lars Lagerback insists: 'Nelson Mandela is a hero, I am not'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  29. ^ "An Icelandic summer". timesofmalta.com. 27 June 2016. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2016.
  30. ^ Gonzalez, Roger (1 October 2015). "FIFA rankings: Argentina No. 1, USA below Iceland, Mexico, Algeria". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2016.
  31. ^ Ough, Tom (22 June 2016). "Iceland 2–1 Austria, Euro 2016: Rearguard action and late winner set up England tie for competition's smallest nation". Telegraph. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  32. ^ Wallace, Sam (27 June 2016). "England 1 Iceland 2, Euro 2016 – Humiliation as Joe Hart clanger sees Roy Hodgson's men crash out in Nice". Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  33. ^ Smyth, Rob (3 July 2016). "France 5–2 Iceland: Euro 2016 quarter-final – as it happened". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 July 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2016.
  34. ^ Reuters (9 October 2017). "Iceland become smallest nation ever to qualify for World Cup finals". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 June 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  35. ^ "Fifa World Cup 2018 group of death: This is the toughest draw". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  36. ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia". www.fifa.com. Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  37. ^ "World Cup Russia 2018: For Iceland, anything is possible". Deutsche Welle. 30 May 2018. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  38. ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Argentina - Iceland". www.fifa.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  39. ^ "World Cup 2018: Debutants Iceland hold Argentina to 1-1 draw". BBC Sport. 16 June 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  40. ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Nigeria - Iceland". www.fifa.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  41. ^ Glendenning, Barry (22 June 2018). "Nigeria 2-0 Iceland: World Cup 2018 – as it happened". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  42. ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Iceland - Croatia". www.fifa.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  43. ^ "World Cup 2018: Iceland out after defeat by group winners Croatia". BBC Sport. 26 June 2018. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  44. ^ Yoesting, Travis (15 November 2018). "What Has Happened To Icelandic Soccer? Iceland 2018 Record". the18.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  45. ^ "Euro 2020 play-offs: Hungary fightback stuns Iceland, North Macedonia qualify". www.theguardian.com. 12 November 2020. Archived from the original on 20 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  46. ^ Elliott, Alexander (19 November 2020). "Iceland relegated in Nations League". RÚV. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  47. ^ O'Connor, Philip (14 November 2020). "Iceland soccer coach Hamren to step down after England game". Reuters. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  48. ^ "L'Islande face à un scandale d'agression sexuelle, Sigthorsson dans le viseur". So Foot. 31 August 2021. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  49. ^ "Un joueur d'Everton suspecté d'abus sexuels sur mineurs". So Foot. 20 July 2021. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  50. ^ "Islande : démission collective à la Fédération après un scandale d'agression sexuelle, Sigthorsson dans le viseur". L'Équipe. 31 August 2021. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  51. ^ Arthur Jeanne (8 October 2021). "Islande in the dark". So Foot. Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  52. ^ Romain Rouillard (11 November 2021). "Mondial 2022 : en Islande, le clapping de 2016 ne résonne plus". Le Figaro. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  53. ^ "L'Islande licencie Arnar Vidarsson". L'Équipe. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  54. ^ Steven, Rachael. "Iceland's national football team gets a new identity". Creative Review. Archived from the original on 6 July 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  55. ^ "Iceland's Goalkeeper-Film Director Makes Reveal Video for Bold New Crest". Sports Illustrated. ABG-SI LLC. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  56. ^ West, Jenna (15 June 2018). "What Does Iceland's Skol Viking Clap Mean?". Sports Illustrated. ABG-SI LLC. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  57. ^ "A-landslið karla - HM 2022 - 2021 - Knattspyrnusamband Íslands". ksi.is (in Icelandic). KSÍ. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  58. ^ "Stakt mót - Knattspyrnusamband Íslands". ksi.is (in Icelandic). KSÍ. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  59. ^ "Stakt mót - Knattspyrnusamband Íslands". www.ksi.is (in Icelandic). KSÍ. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  60. ^ "A landslið karla - Þjóðadeild - 2022". www.ksi.is (in Icelandic). KSÍ. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  61. ^ "European Qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden declared abandoned with half-time result confirmed as final". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  62. ^ "Decisions from today's extraordinary UEFA Executive Committee meeting". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  63. ^ "Davíð Snorri ráðinn aðstoðarþjálfari A landsliðs karla" [Davíð Snorri appointed assistant coach of the A men's national team] (in Icelandic). Football Association of Iceland. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  64. ^ "A karla - hópurinn fyrir leiki gegn Wales og Svartfjallalandi" [Men's A - the squad for matches against Wales and Montenegro] (in Icelandic). Football Association of Iceland. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  65. ^ "Breytingar á landsliðshópnum" [Changes to the national team squad] (in Icelandic). Morgunblaðið. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  66. ^ "Tvær breytingar á A-landsliðshópnum" [Two changes to the A national team squad] (in Icelandic). Morgunblaðið. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  67. ^ "Most Iceland Caps - EU-Football.info". eu-football.info. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  68. ^ "Leikmenn - Knattspyrnusamband Íslands". www.ksi.is (in Icelandic). KSÍ. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  69. ^ Nygård, Jostein. "Iceland - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  70. ^ "FIFA World Ranking – Associations: Iceland". FIFA. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iceland national football team.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iceland_national_football_team&oldid=1258465392"