France, Oct. 13 -- France head coach Didier Deschamps saluted the resilience and dedication of goalkeeper Mike Maignan after anointing him as captain for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Iceland in Reykjavik.

Maignan, 30, will lead the side out at Laugardalsvollur Stadium on Monday night in the absence of Kylian Mbappe.

The Real Madrid striker returned to his club over the weekend after aggravating an injury to his right ankle during France's 3-0 win over Azerbaijan on Friday night.

Mbappe scored for the third time in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign to help his team maintain their 100 percent record in Group D.

But his departure left Deschamps without a captain for the tie that could furnish the 2022 runners-up with ...