On 8 September 2025, the race for places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America reached another decisive chapter as European qualifying continued with a packed schedule across four groups. Nations from Groups B, C, I, and L took to the field, knowing that every result could shape their path toward either automatic qualification or the tension of the playoff rounds. Matches included key clashes such as Switzerland vs Slovenia, Greece vs Denmark, Israel vs Italy, and Croatia vs Montenegro, each carrying weight in groups where the margins are already razor-thin.
With UEFA’s format granting direct World Cup spots only to group winners, and leaving runners-up to battle again in the playoffs alongside top Nations League performers, the stakes could not be higher. For traditional heavyweights, the September window marked the chance to establish authority, while for rising nations, it was another opportunity to spring surprises and disrupt the established order. The action on this matchday was set against the broader backdrop of a qualification campaign that promises drama right up until its conclusion in November 2025.
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Belarus vs Scotland
Belarus is a team that has been struggling to find its form in recent cycles. At home, they show a fighting spirit, but their quality is limited. On average, they score less than one goal per match, and their main issue is creating scoring chances. The team plays defensively, but one mistake can ruin their entire organization. In the first match of this qualifying cycle, they suffered a heavy defeat against Greece, losing 5:1. The team is led by the Spaniard Carlos Ferrer, who is trying to instill confidence in this relatively young squad.
On the other hand, Scotland has been on the rise in recent years. Under the leadership of Steve Clarke, the team looks organized and disciplined. They have players from the Premier League like Robertson, Adams, and Doak, who bring stability and quality. Yesterday’s goalless draw with Denmark was proof of their strong defense and tactical maturity. Scotland knows how to defend with compact lines and wait for opportunities from set pieces or quick transitions. They earned an important point in their first match, which means a good start to the group stage.
Belarus is expected to enter this match defensively, while Scotland will try to dominate possession of the ball.
2 (Scotland to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Croatia vs Montenegro
Croatia is always a favorite for the highest placement. With players like Modric, Kovacic, and Brozovic in the midfield, along with Perisic and Kramaric in attack, they have an extremely experienced team. At home, Croatia plays with a lot of confidence and rarely allows surprises. They are currently in 2nd place with 3 wins after 3 matches, scoring 13 goals and only conceding one.
On the other hand, Montenegro is a team with a fighting spirit, but they lack finishing. Stevan Jovetic is their biggest star, currently playing for Omonia, and he has experience from big clubs, but he is already in a more mature phase of his career. The team knows how to create chances, but consistency and organization in defense are issues. They are in 3rd place in the group with 2 wins and 2 losses.
Croatia has a stronger squad, and we expect them to dominate completely. Montenegro will try to defend and wait for counterattacks, but against a technically superior opponent, that will be difficult to achieve.
1 & T1 2+ (Croatia to Win & Croatia Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 3:0
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Gibraltar vs Faroe Islands
Gibraltar is one of the weakest teams in Europe. The squad consists of semi-professional players, and they often lose by large margins on the international stage. Under the leadership of Scott Wiseman, who is trying to get the best out of the players in this qualifying cycle, they have lost all four matches they played. In these four games, they conceded 16 goals while only scoring 2, with one of those goals being against today’s opponent.
On the other hand, the Faroe Islands have made significant progress in their style of play in recent years. They have players competing in Scandinavian leagues, which means they are physically well-prepared. Against rivals like Gibraltar, they usually take the initiative and create more chances. Their only win after four matches was against today’s opponent. They are strong in defense, as shown by the fact that they have only conceded 5 goals, and in their previous match against Croatia, they only let in one goal and played excellently defensively.
The Faroe Islands have more experienced players, and their physical fitness is their main strength. Gibraltar is expected to start defensively, and their chance to score will come from
2 (Faroe Islands to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Greece vs Denmark
Greece is a team that always relies on a strong defense. They know how to win with a small score and play very disciplined. At home, they are strong, with great support from their fans. In the first match of this qualifying cycle, they achieved a big victory over Belarus with a score of 5:1, showing that they are fully focused on taking first place in the group. The team is led by Ivan Jovanovic, and they have an excellent attack made up of players from well-known European clubs.
Denmark is a stable team with players from top European clubs. Hojbjerg controls the midfield, while young star Rasmus Hojlund and Dreyer are the main threats in attack. The team is known for its high pressing and aggressive style, which often forces opponents into mistakes. Yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Scotland proved that sometimes they lack finishing, but the quality is on their side.
Both teams enter this qualifying cycle aiming to secure first place. We expect a close match, as quality is present on both sides, so we anticipate at least one goal from each team.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Israel vs Italy
Israel is a team with talented players like Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh, but they often struggle against stronger teams. At home, they can be aggressive and cause problems, but their defense tends to falter. They are currently in 2nd place with 3 wins and 1 loss after 4 matches, but now they face real challenges against the favorites in their group.
Italy, led by Gattuso, looks fresh and powerful. They defeated Estonia convincingly with a score of 5-0. Retegui scored two goals, and Kean, Raspadori, and Bastoni also found the net, while the defense was solid. This shows that Italy has regained its balance between offense and defense. With players like Barella, and Donnarumma, the team has both creativity and reliability. So far, they have played 3 matches, achieving 2 wins and 1 loss, and they cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay competitive for the top spot.
Israel will try to play openly and score early in the match, which could be risky. Italy will take advantage of their technical superiority, and we expect them to score at least two goals.
2 & T2 2+ (Italy to Win & Italy Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Kosovo vs Sweden
Kosovo is a young team that knows how to play well at home. With support from their fans and attackers like Muriqi and Krasniqi, they can create dangerous chances. However, they often struggle in defense, especially against teams that are physically well-prepared. In their first group stage match, they were completely outplayed by Switzerland and lost 4-0.
Sweden is an experienced team with a great physical and skilled lineup. Elanga and Gyokeres are key players in their attack, and their defense is organized and disciplined. The team knows how to play patiently and with discipline, and they also create scoring opportunities. In their first group stage match, they played an efficient and dynamic game against Slovenia, had the lead, but conceded a goal in the 90th minute and had to settle for a draw.
Kosovo lacks the individual capabilities to compete with teams like Sweden, so we expect the visitors to take control and create chances through their fast wingers.
2 (Sweden to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Switzerland vs Slovenia
Switzerland is one of the most consistent teams in Europe. With players like Xhaka, Akanji, and Embolo, they have a good balance between defense and attack. The team usually plays in a disciplined way and knows how to win against mid-level teams. In their first match against Kosovo, they played excellently, completely dominating the field and winning 4-0. The scorers were Akanji, Widmer, and Embolo, who scored 2 goals.
Slovenia is a team that is improving thanks to goalkeeper Oblak and forward Sesko. They have a disciplined midfield and play tactically mature. However, against teams like Switzerland, they often lack quality finishing and experience. Against Sweden, they played well at home, but with many defensive mistakes, they conceded 2 goals, yet they managed to score the same number of goals.
Switzerland enters as the favorite, and we expect them to control the game through possession and quality in the midfield. Slovenia will defend with compact lines and try to counterattack. We give the advantage to the home team, but we also expect the visitors to score during the match.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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