Tip: Wales win
Wales enter the match against Kazakhstan in excellent form and under Craig Bellamy have shown significant progress. The Dragons have already produced solid results – a draw with North Macedonia and a narrow defeat against Belgium after a big comeback – and have proven they can compete with the group’s strongest teams. Their attack is functioning well, especially through Wilson, Thomas and Johnson, with ten goals already scored. Kazakhstan, on the other hand, continue to struggle, having won only two of their last sixteen matches, and they have not managed a World Cup qualifying home win in over a decade. Aliyev’s side are weak defensively and lack experience against stronger opponents. The absence of former captain Tagybergen further weakens their organisation. Even though travelling to Astana is never easy, Wales’ squad quality and wider experience should decide it. Therefore we favour the visitors, who are aiming to keep hold of second place in the group.
Tip: Double chance: Georgia not to lose
Georgia are experiencing a golden period, following their Euro 2024 success and promotion in the Nations League, and they continue to deliver consistent performances. Willy Sagnol’s team is led by star man Kvaratskhelia, while goalkeeper Mamardashvili provides top-class security. At home in Tbilisi Georgia are traditionally very strong, evidenced by their long unbeaten run across all competitions. Turkey, meanwhile, did well in the Nations League against Hungary to reach League A, but recent results have been inconsistent – a win over the USA but a loss to Mexico. Montella’s side has individual quality, particularly in attack with Akturkoglu and Yilmaz, but their defence remains vulnerable. History favours Turkey in head-to-head meetings, but Georgia are now more confident than ever. Given their home advantage and current form, they have a real chance of taking points. We therefore select the safer option – Georgia not to lose.
Tip: Double chance: Lithuania or draw
Lithuania have long struggled in qualifiers, but compared to Malta they appear slightly more stable. Jankauskas’s team managed a draw with Finland and are not an easy opponent, especially at home. Key men such as Cernych and young midfielder Gineitis provide a solid foundation in midfield. Malta, on the other hand, are one of Europe’s weakest teams, with no points so far in qualifying and heavy defeats such as the 0-8 against the Netherlands. Their attack is toothless – no goals in their last four games. The suspension of key midfielder Guillaumier further weakens their engine room. Still, this will be a balanced contest between two outsiders where experience and organisation could decide it. Lithuania should have a slight edge at home, so we go with Lithuania or draw.
Tip: Spain win
Spain begin their qualifying campaign as reigning European champions and are among the main favourites to win the World Cup. Luis de la Fuente has a deep squad, featuring young stars such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Oyarzabal. La Roja are also extremely reliable away from home in qualifiers – their last away loss dates back to 2023. Bulgaria, by contrast, have endured a long barren spell without achievements and failed to progress in last season’s Nations League playoffs against Ireland. Their June friendlies showed poor form, including a 0-4 loss to Greece. The hosts will likely sit deep and counter-attack, but Spain’s passing and combination play is on another level. With greater quality in every position and strong motivation to start the campaign with a win, Spain are clear favourites. An away win is the logical outcome.
Tip: Belgium win
Belgium may have started their qualifying campaign more slowly, but their goal remains clear – qualification at least from second place. Rudi Garcia’s side rely on De Bruyne, Tielemans and in attack new striker Lois Openda. Against the group’s weakest team three points are an absolute must. Liechtenstein are ranked 204th in FIFA and are among Europe’s weakest sides. They have yet to claim a point in qualifying and have scored just one goal in their last five matches. Even average opponents have repeatedly dismantled their defence. At home they occasionally show resistance, but Belgium’s squad quality is simply too high for any slip-up. A dominant Belgian performance with multiple goals is expected.
Tip: Double chance: Northern Ireland or draw
Northern Ireland dream of returning to the World Cup after forty years. Under Michael O’Neill the team has improved its organisation and relies on young talents such as Isaac Price. They have won seven of their last fifteen games, representing clear progress. Luxembourg have improved too, but they lack consistency and are winless in their last seven competitive matches. Their main threat Sinani remains, but the absence of Gerson Rodrigues weakens their attack. Head-to-heads favour Northern Ireland, even if Luxembourg did manage to snatch a 2-2 draw in last year’s Nations League. The visitors’ tactical discipline and physical strength should give them an edge. That’s why we opt for Northern Ireland or draw.
Tip: Netherlands win
The Netherlands have started qualifying perfectly – wins over Finland and Malta with no goals conceded. Ronald Koeman’s side looks much more stable and boast attacking firepower with Depay, Gakpo, Simons and Lang. Depay also has the chance to surpass Robin van Persie as the nation’s all-time top scorer. Poland, by contrast, are undergoing another coaching change and start a new era under Jan Urban. The return of Lewandowski as captain is significant, but the veteran striker lacks match sharpness. Other forwards such as Swiderski, Buksa and Piatek do not offer the same threat against elite teams. The head-to-head record strongly favours the Dutch, who have not lost to Poland since 1979. With home advantage and superior form, the Netherlands are clear favourites. An Oranje win is expected.
Tip: Germany win
Germany begin their qualifying campaign against Slovakia and despite struggles in the Nations League remain group favourites. Julian Nagelsmann has a young and talented squad, with Wirtz and Musiala taking on bigger roles. While the defence has looked shaky in recent months, it should hold firm against Slovakia. The hosts have endured a poor 2025 with no wins and even failed to progress from their Nations League group. Calzona’s team lacks cutting edge in attack, despite having solid midfielders such as Lobotka and Schranz, and they lack depth overall. The historical record is firmly in Germany’s favour, including a 4-1 win in Bratislava in their last meeting. The away side should confirm their ambitions for direct qualification. A German win is the expected outcome.