Tip: Denmark to win
Denmark enter the World Cup qualification campaign with high ambitions and confidence, as they are traditionally one of the most reliable European teams at home. Under coach Brian Riemer, the Danes have won 11 of their last 12 home qualifiers, with their last defeat in Copenhagen dating back to 2016. The return of experienced defender Andreas Christensen gives the defense more stability, while the attack relies on Kasper Dolberg, who boasts an impressive scoring record for the national team. Scotland, on the other hand, are still waiting for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, though under Steve Clarke they have made significant progress and qualified for the last two European Championships. Key men include Scott McTominay, who has become a cornerstone at Manchester United, and captain Andy Robertson, whose leadership from Liverpool provides defensive strength. Striker Che Adams will be the main threat, having scored a hat-trick in their last outing against Liechtenstein. Scotland have improved their away record, but facing Denmark at Parken is one of the toughest challenges in Europe. Given the home advantage, greater quality, and experience, Denmark are clear favorites to win this match. Therefore, we tip a victory for the home side.
Tip: Croatia to win
The Faroe Islands may have managed to beat Gibraltar to claim their first three points of the campaign, but against stronger sides they consistently struggle. Their biggest hope lies in Arni Frederiksberg, who scored a key goal against Gibraltar, and Patrik Johannesen, who carries their creative responsibility in attack. Coach Eydun Klakstein is trying to build a compact team, but the level of quality in these qualifiers is often far beyond their reach. Croatia under Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, look determined and experienced, demonstrated by heavy victories over Gibraltar (7-0) and the Czech Republic (5-1). The midfield is still dictated by Luka Modric, while Andrej Kramaric is in prolific form, scoring four goals in the campaign so far. At the back, Duje Ćaleta-Car and Marin Pongracic provide stability, while Ante Budimir works as the classic target man. Croatia are regulars at World Cups and continue to show why they are considered among Europe’s elite. The Faroes can only rely on determination and team spirit, but the gulf in quality is clear. We therefore expect a comfortable Croatia win.
Tip: Greece to win
Greece head into this qualifier with good form and high confidence. Coach Ivan Jovanovic has shaped a stable team that has won four of their last five matches, including a convincing 4-0 triumph over Bulgaria. Ethniki are built on a strong defense and experienced players such as Kostas Tsimikas and Bakasetas, while in attack Fotis Ioannidis is expected to play a key role. Belarus, led by Carlos Alos, have shown some improvement, managing a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan in June, but they remain outsiders compared to the Greek squad. Max Ebong will be pivotal in midfield, while young Trofim Melnichenko is expected to get his chance up front. The visitors have posted some solid away results, but the level of opposition was weaker than what they will face here. In Piraeus, Greece are traditionally strong, and the home atmosphere can be decisive. Considering their current form, individual quality, and motivation, the home side are clear favorites. We are backing Greece to win.
Tip: Iceland to win
Iceland are trying to recover from recent struggles after their golden era in the mid-2010s, and despite inconsistency and defensive issues, there is hope with the new generation of talent. Coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson has entrusted young players like Orri Oskarsson, Hakon Haraldsson, and Andri Gudjohnsen, while Albert Gudmundsson remains the team’s main creative force. Home advantage in Reykjavik has traditionally given Iceland an extra boost, and the passionate support could play a decisive role here. Azerbaijan, under Fernando Santos, are in crisis, failing to win a single match since he took over and suffering a string of disappointing results. The squad is largely built around Qarabag players, including young forward Nariman Akhundzade, but overall they lack confidence and quality. Their defense has conceded heavily, and morale is at rock bottom. This gives Iceland a perfect chance to end their poor run and secure three crucial points at home. Therefore, we back Iceland to win.
Tip: Italy to win
Italy begin their campaign under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, who has the tough task of restoring pride to the national team. After the disastrous failures in recent cycles and missing two consecutive World Cups, the Azzurri must deliver this time. Gattuso plans to revert to a four-man defense, with captain Gianluigi Donnarumma – now at Manchester City – providing assurance in goal. Up front, the battle for the striker role is between Mateo Retegui, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giacomo Raspadori. Estonia, on the other hand, remain one of the weaker European sides and have lost all six of their previous meetings with Italy. Their main name is goalkeeper Karl Hein from Arsenal, while in attack they rely on Rauno Sappinen. Maksim Paskotsi leads the defense, but he faces a tough task against Italy’s attacking quality. With home advantage and the urgent need to collect points, Italy are expected to dominate. We tip Italy to win.
Tip: Israel to win
Moldova are still chasing their first points of the campaign, having lost all three opening games with 10 goals conceded. Coach Serghei Clescenco’s side lack defensive stability and will also miss their all-time top scorer Ion Nicolaescu due to suspension, which is a major blow to their attack. As a result, inexperienced forwards such as Maxim Cojocaru and Virgiliu Postolachi will need to step up, though they have shown little impact so far. Israel, by contrast, are showing steady progress and boast attacking talent with players like Manor Solomon, Oscar Gloukh, and Dor Turgeman. Captain Eli Dasa brings leadership at the back, even though his club future is uncertain after leaving Dynamo Moscow. Israel also have an excellent record against Moldova, winning four of the last five meetings. Given their superior squad quality and motivation to fight for second place in the group, Israel are strong favorites. Therefore, we predict an Israel win.
Tip: Double chance: Czech Republic or Draw
Montenegro are struggling for form, with their only wins coming against minnows Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands. Coach Robert Prosinecki will have to cope without goalkeeper Igor Nikic and defender Marko Vesovic, which further weakens their defense. Their attacking play is often reliant on individual moments, which will likely not be enough against a solid Czech side. The Czechs under Ivan Hasek are stable, and although they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Croatia last time out, their overall quality is high. The midfield has creative power through Tomáš Souček and Antonín Barák, while Patrik Schick, if fit, remains a dangerous forward. In defense, Tomáš Holeš and young Martin Vitík will be key. History is firmly in the Czech Republic’s favor, as they have won every previous encounter with Montenegro. The hosts may battle hard, but the visitors’ experience and quality should prevail. We are backing the safer option: Czech Republic not to lose.
Tip: Sweden to win
Slovenia have put together some good results and boast a strong home record at Stadion Stožice, losing only one of their last 18 home matches. Coach Matjaž Kek has built his team around young striker Benjamin Šeško, who is their main attacking hope, while goalkeeper Jan Oblak continues to provide world-class quality between the posts. However, their attacking play is often too dependent on one player, which can be an issue against top opposition. Sweden, under Jon Dahl Tomasson, are highly productive in attack, scoring at least twice in nine of their last 10 matches. Viktor Gyökeres, who excelled in Portugal, is in excellent form, while Alexander Isak – despite uncertainty around his club future – remains a top-level striker. Defensively, they rely on Isak Hien and Hjalmar Ekdal. Sweden also have a strong away record, with three wins from their last five matches on foreign soil. The head-to-head history favors Sweden, who have never lost to Slovenia. Therefore, we tip Sweden to win.
Tip: Switzerland to win
Switzerland start the qualifiers aiming to confirm their status as group favorites and extend their streak of consecutive appearances at major tournaments. Coach Murat Yakin has an experienced squad with stars such as Granit Xhaka, who will captain the side, and Breel Embolo, who has scored in each of his last two international appearances. The defense is anchored by Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi, providing the team with stability. Kosovo, under Franco Foda, have been in excellent form recently, winning their last four matches and showing impressive attacking strength. Striker Vedat Muriqi is their biggest weapon, already on 31 international goals. However, their record in World Cup qualifiers is poor, with just one win in their last 18 matches. The sides have previously drawn all three of their meetings, showing that Kosovo can be competitive, but Switzerland’s quality and depth should prove decisive. Playing at home, the Swiss are clear favorites. We predict a win for Switzerland.
Tip: France to win
Ukraine begin their qualification campaign against the toughest opponent possible, with the match being played on neutral ground in Wroclaw. Coach Serhiy Rebrov is trying to stabilize the team, but the absence of goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is a major blow, as is the injury to defender Oleksandr Tymchyk. In attack, Artem Dovbyk and Georgiy Sudakov, who recently moved to Benfica, will be the key men. Historically, Ukraine have often struggled in playoffs and failed to qualify directly, which might again be a factor. France, under Didier Deschamps, may have been criticized after losing to Spain in the Nations League semi-final, but overall they remain one of the strongest sides in the world. With stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Eduardo Camavinga, they boast exceptional attacking depth. William Saliba is out injured, but new faces like Hugo Ekitike may get a chance. France have dominated this fixture historically, winning the majority of their 12 encounters. Ukraine will rely on fighting spirit, but the difference in quality and squad depth is clear. Therefore, we tip France to win.