France drew 2-2 with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday at the Stade de Roudourou in Guingamp during their second match in Group A1 of the Under-19 European Championship qualifying round.
The result leaves Jean-Luc Vannuchi’s squad at the top of the group standings with four points after two matches, following a 6-0 opening victory against Norway on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Vincent Leonard scored twice for Ireland from set pieces, neutralizing a double from France’s Mohamed Chebbi.
Set-Piece Deficiencies Cost French Under-19s Victory
France dominated early possession in Guingamp but fell behind in the 7th minute when Vincent Leonard converted a corner kick delivered by Gavin Mcateer. The early deficit lasted just 14 minutes before the hosts responded.
Mohamed Chebbi leveled the score in the 21st minute by heading in a cross from team captain Kyllian Antonio. Three minutes later, Chebbi scored again with a right-footed shot following an assist from Aymen Assab to put France ahead 2-1.
Ireland leveled the match in the 64th minute through another set piece. Leonard found space at the back post to finish his second goal of the afternoon and secure a 2-2 draw.
Coach Vannuchi Points to Defensive Vulnerabilities
Jean-Luc Vannuchi addressed the media after the final whistle regarding his team’s defensive struggles on dead-ball situations.
“C’est un résultat logique face à une équipe d’Irlande que l’on avait identifiée comme solide, notamment dans les transitions et sur phases arrêtées, et qui avait gagné son premier match,” said Jean-Luc Vannuchi, France Under-19 head coach, told fff.
Vannuchi said that defensive lapses on set pieces continue to trouble his squad following previous matches.
“Nous avons peut-être eu davantage la possession, mais nous avons eu du mal à la mettre en difficulté. Nous aurions pu gagner sur la fin, comme perdre ce match. Ce point reste important puisque, avec quatre points, nous avons assuré notre présence en Ligue A au mois de mars,” Vannuchi told fff.
The coach emphasized the need for better organization moving forward.
“Nous devons en revanche progresser sur les coups de pied arrêtés défensifs. Le mois dernier, en Croatie, nous avions encaissé trois de nos quatre buts sur ces phases et nous en prenons encore deux aujourd’hui. Il faut avoir davantage de confiance collective et d’engagement dans ces situations, qui sont de véritables actions dangereuses et peuvent faire basculer les matches,” Vannuchi told fff.
Standings and Final Group Fixture Against Greece
France leads Group A1 with four points and a plus-six goal differential. The Republic of Ireland also holds four points with a plus-two differential, while Greece and Norway each have one point.
“Mardi, une victoire contre la Grèce nous propulserait à la première place, ce sera donc notre objectif. Il faudra aussi bien gérer les énergies puisque dix joueurs ont enchaîné les deux matches. Nous allons réfléchir à la composition de départ et certainement apporter un peu de fraîcheur pour bien terminer la semaine,” Vannuchi told fff.
France will face Greece on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 15:00 local time at the EAG Akademi in Pabu. The Republic of Ireland will play Norway simultaneously at the Espace Océane in Plaintel. The draw for the third round of qualifying is scheduled for Friday, December 10, 2026.
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