On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up as the European Qualifiers hit a crucial point. Nine matches are scheduled all over Europe, featuring both well-known teams and up-and-coming challengers fighting for important points.
Among the key matches are Hungary vs Portugal in Group F and Serbia vs England in Group K, both of which have huge consequences for direct qualification. In other games, France will take on Iceland, Ukraine will travel to Azerbaijan, and close matchups in Groups H and I are expected to shake up the rankings as teams strive to avoid dropping into the stressful playoffs.
With only the group winners securing a direct spot in the World Cup in North America, every game now matters even more. Teams like Portugal, England, and France will aim to show their strength, while countries such as Hungary, Serbia, and Romania will try to surprise everyone and make their mark. As the tournament heads into its critical months, today matches offers both chances and challenges, a time when skill, determination, and staying calm under pressure will decide who stays on track for automatic qualification and who has to take a longer, tougher path through the playoffs.
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Armenia vs Ireland
Armenia is a team that always knows how to create problems at home, mainly because of the support from their fans and their aggressive playing style. Key players include Tigran Barseghyan and Eduard Spertsyan. However, the team struggles defensively. They usually play poorly at the end of matches where they often make mistakes. In the first match of this qualifying cycle, they lost 5-0 to the Portugal national team.
On the other hand, Ireland is known for being a physically strong and fighting team. Players from the Premier League bring stability to the defense, while in the midfield, Azaz and Knight provide creativity in the game. Still, the main problem for the Irish is finishing, they often create chances but primarily rely on Evan Ferguson to score. In their first match, they drew with Hungary in a game where we saw 2 goals from both sides.
Armenia will try to use quick transitions and wing pressure, while Ireland will come out with aggressive pressing in the midfield and physical duels. We expect a balanced match and to see at least one goal from both sides.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Azerbaijan vs Ukraine
Azerbaijan is a team that has been investing in football in recent years, but their results are still not at the desired level. At home, they can be disciplined in defense and create half-chances, but they struggle to keep up the pace against technically stronger opponents. In their first match of the group stage, they suffered a heavy defeat to Iceland, losing 5-0 as guests. They haven’t won in 11 matches across all competitions, with 9 losses and 2 draws.
Ukraine is a team with great individual talent. Oleksandr Zinchenko brings stability and creativity to the midfield, and their attack is excellent, especially dangerous from set pieces. Recently, Ukraine has shown that they can compete even with the strongest teams, performing well in the Nations League, where they outplayed Belgium in the playoffs and secured a spot in League A.
Ukraine will try to control the game with long possession and constant pressure from the wings. It is unlikely that Azerbaijan will be able to last the entire match without conceding goals. The difference in class is too obvious.
2 (Ukraine to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Albania vs Latvia
Albania has made significant progress in recent years and has proven to be a serious competitor. They have young players like Armando Broja from Burnley, who is a major threat in attack, and Kristjan Asllani from Torino, who controls the midfield. Their defense is strong, with Hysaj as the leader. After playing 4 matches in this qualifying cycle, they are in 5th place with 5 points, which includes one win, one loss, and two draws.
Latvia is a team that traditionally struggles in qualifications. The team usually plays defensively and it can be said that they have a solid defense. They lack creativity in the midfield and their finishing is a problem. After 4 matches in the group stage, they have 2 losses, one draw, and one win against the underdog Andorra. They drew with today’s opponent at home with a score of 1:1.
We expect Albania to take full initiative. Broja and Uzuni are expected to create chances from the wings, while Latvia will try to hold on with a defensive formation. We give the advantage to the home team, but we don’t expect more than 2 goals in this match.
0-2 (Under 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:0
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Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Austria
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a talented team with veterans who are still key players, like Edin Dzeko. Even though he is nearing the end of his career, he can still lead the game. The home team is tough, playing with high intensity and aggression. However, they have many ups and downs in their performance, and their defense is their weak point, where they often make individual mistakes. They are currently at the top of the group with 4 wins, including 2 against San Marino, so they will face a real challenge in the upcoming matches.
Austria, on the other hand, is on the rise. Players like Sabitzer, Laimer, and Schlager bring balance to the midfield, while Arnautovic and Gregoritsch are threats in attack. The team is physically strong, disciplined, and knows how to play for results. In the recent qualifiers, Austria had several victories over major teams, making them a serious contender for the top spot in the group. So far, they have played three matches in this qualifying cycle and achieved 3 wins.
We expect Bosnia, as the host, to take the initiative and use their wingers to score, while Austria will play for control and exploit gaps. We anticipate a dynamic match where we will see at least 3 goals.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Cyprus vs Romania
Cyprus is a team that has been struggling in recent years. Their performances in qualifications usually end in losses because they lack both offense and defense, playing very defensively. They are currently in 4th place with 3 points, and after 4 matches, they have achieved one win against the underdog San Marino and three losses.
On the other hand, Romania has a good mix of young talents and experienced players. Stanciu and Tanase bring creativity, and their attack can be effective. Their defense is well organized and concedes few goals. The team is led by Mircea Lucescu, but they have issues with injured players, especially Ianis Hagi who will be missing from the midfield. They have 2 wins and 2 losses in 4 matches played.
Romania has a stronger squad and will try to control the game and attack through quick wing combinations. The difference in class and form is clear, and we expect the visitors to secure 3 points.
2 (Romania to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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France vs Iceland
France is one of the top favorites to win the World Cup. With players like Mbappe, Ekitike, Dembele, and Doue, the team has incredible quality. They play aggressively at home and almost always score 2 or more goals. Didier Deschamps has built a squad that has depth on the bench, and even the substitutes can compete with any opponent. In their first group stage match, they easily won against Ukraine away from home.
Iceland had a great team, but that generation is already declining. The new generation is fighting hard, but they lack the quality to compete with the strongest teams. The players are playing in modest European clubs and there are not enough strong individuals. They play well, but it’s tough for them to compete against big national teams. In their first match, they played excellently and achieved a convincing victory over Azerbaijan with a score of 5-0.
France has a significantly stronger squad and is expected to take control right from the start and attack with high intensity. We expect them to lead by halftime and score at least 2 goals during the match.
1/1 & T1 2+ (France to Win HT and FT & Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 3:0
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Hungary vs Portugal
Hungary has made a lot of progress in recent years and is no longer a team that loses easily. Szoboszlai is their leader, while Sallai and Varga pose a threat in attack. The team plays disciplined football and knows how to surprise at home in Budapest, where they are highly motivated for a good result. They performed excellently in their first group stage match, drawing with Ireland away, even though they played with one less player from the 52nd minute and conceded a goal in the 93rd minute.
On the other hand, Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, looks powerful and stable. Cristiano Ronaldo, even though he is at the end of his career, still scores goals and is a leader. Fernandes brings creativity, while Joao Felix and Pedro Neto add speed to the attack. The defense, led by Dias, is strong, and goalkeeper Costa is reliable. In their first match, they showed their strength and achieved a big win against Armenia away with a score of 0:5.
Hungary will try to use aggressive pressing and support from the fans. Portugal will control the game and attack through the wings. A tough match is expected with chances on both sides.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Norway vs Moldova
Norway has a generation of talent with Haaland and Odegaard leading the way. Haaland is a true goal machine, while Odegaard is the brains of the team. The team scores a lot of goals at home, but they often struggle with consistency in defense. However, against weaker teams like Moldova, they are absolute favorites. After playing 4 matches in the group stage, they have 4 wins and have scored 13 goals, while only conceding 2.
Moldova is a fighting but limited team. They mainly focus on defense and rarely create chances. They had a good run in the Nations League, but they lose convincingly against top teams. They lack a goal scorer, and the team struggles with finishing. They have 5 consecutive losses, 4 of which are in this competition.
Norway is a much stronger team, and we expect them to take full control of the match. Haaland is expected to be the main scorer, and it’s hard to imagine the Moldova team stopping him.
1/1 & T1 3+ (Norway to Win HT and FT & Norway Over2.5)
Predicted CS: 3:0
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Serbia vs England
Serbia has many quality attackers, with Vlahovic and Mitrovic being among the top scorers in their leagues. The team can be dangerous in attack, but they often struggle with defense and discipline. The team is led by Dragan Stojkovic, who is frequently criticized for his management style.
England is one of the strongest teams in the world. Kane is the captain and a goal scorer, while Rashford and Bowen bring speed and dribbling skills. The defense, featuring Alexander-Arnold and Walker, is solid, and Pickford is a reliable goalkeeper. Under Thomas Tuchel, the team is organized and very efficient. After playing four matches, they have achieved four victories, and their excellent defense is evident as they have not conceded a single goal while scoring eight.
Serbia will try to take advantage of their home field and attack through Vlahovic, but England has too many weapons to reach the goal. England is the favorite to win, but we expect them to concede their first goal in this qualifying cycle.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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