Tip: Serbia to win
Latvia and Serbia will meet for the first time at senior level, and it will be an important clash in Group K. Serbia, under Dragan Stojkovic, come into the match boosted by a six-game unbeaten run and an 11-match streak without defeat in World Cup qualifiers since 2017. The attacking duo of Mitrovic and Vlahovic is among the strongest in Europe, with Mitrovic celebrating his 100th cap by netting a hat-trick against Andorra. Latvia, led by Paolo Nicolato, have four points from three matches thanks to a win over Andorra and a draw with Albania. However, the suspension of Cernomordijs will weaken the defense, with veteran Jagodinskis expected to step in. Even so, the hosts have shown they can compete with stronger opponents and will look to spring a surprise. Serbia, however, possess greater quality, experience and squad depth, making them the favorites.
Tip: Portugal to win
Armenia begin their qualification campaign with new head coach Yegishe Melikyan, who replaced the unsuccessful John van 't Schip. The team is ranked 105th in the FIFA standings and in 2025 suffered a heavy Nations League playoff defeat to Georgia (9-1 on aggregate). Their main hopes lie in the return of creative midfielder Vahan Bichakhchyan and striker Barseghyan, their leading scorer. Portugal, by contrast, arrive as fresh Nations League champions, having beaten Germany and then Spain in a penalty shootout. Roberto Martinez commands a deep squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has an excellent record against Armenia (five goals in four matches). Injuries have ruled out Rafael Leao and Diogo Dalot, but attacking depth remains strong thanks to Neto and Conceicao. Portugal already have a playoff spot secured through their Nations League ranking but are targeting direct qualification. Armenia will be clear underdogs and will only be aiming to spring a shock result.
Tip: England to win
England, under Thomas Tuchel, boast a perfect record in Group K, though their performances have not been entirely convincing. After 1-0, 2-0 and 2-0 wins over Andorra, Latvia and Albania respectively, they remain yet to concede a goal, but their attack has lacked fireworks. A shock 1-3 friendly defeat to Senegal has also disrupted the atmosphere around the squad. Andorra, meanwhile, sit bottom of the table with zero points and zero goals after four matches. Their squad is composed mostly of semi-professionals, with 43-year-old Marc Pujol captaining the side and veteran Marc Vales offering midfield experience. Harry Kane will lead the line for England, as he chases Bobby Moore’s tally of caps. Tuchel is expected to give debuts to Spence and Anderson, resting key players for tougher fixtures. The history of this matchup is one-sided – England have won all seven meetings by a combined 26-0 scoreline.
Tip: Austria to win
Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, began qualification with two wins – 2-1 over Romania and 4-0 against San Marino – and aim to book a direct ticket to the World Cup. After an encouraging EURO 2024, expectations are high, with experienced players like Alaba, Sabitzer and Gregoritsch central to the team’s ambitions. Goalkeeper Schlager returns from injury, while Alessandro Schopf has earned a recall after three years away. Cyprus, by contrast, remain outsiders, with their only win coming against San Marino before falling to Bosnia and Romania. History also strongly favors Austria – they have six wins and one draw in head-to-head encounters. Cyprus will rely on Kastanos and Pittas, the latter having scored two qualifying goals, but overall quality is lacking. With home advantage and a superior squad, Austria are clear favorites to claim another win and strengthen their bid for top spot.
Tip: Double chance: Ireland or draw
The Republic of Ireland, under Heimir Hallgrimsson, are on an upward curve, having lost just once in their last six matches. They stayed up in the Nations League by beating Bulgaria and earned friendly draws against Senegal and Luxembourg. At home, they are unbeaten in their last three games and have beaten Hungary in each of their last two Dublin meetings. Key figures include goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and veteran Seamus Coleman in defense. Hungary, on the other hand, have experienced a dip in form, winning just three of their last 14 matches since June 2024. Marco Rossi still has a gem in Dominik Szoboszlai, but the team has struggled for consistency. Hungary’s away record is also weak, with just two wins in their last eight on the road. Ireland’s historical advantage and home support give them an edge, making a home win or draw the safer pick.
Tip: Bosnia and Herzegovina to win
San Marino remain winless and pointless in Group H after four matches, continuing their long struggles at international level. Against Austria they conceded four goals in the opening half-hour, though they did manage to hold Bosnia to a draw until the 66th minute in their June meeting. Nicola Nanni remains their only notable attacking threat, having scored twice in the Nations League last year. Bosnia, meanwhile, top the group with three wins from three, though their friendly results have been inconsistent. Edin Dzeko continues to be the main attacking weapon, with Demirovic offering support up front. Injuries in defense, including the absence of Kolasinac, will test their depth, but the squad remains far stronger than their opponents. Bosnia have won all their previous encounters with San Marino and are expected to do so again comfortably. The gulf in quality is evident, and another routine win is expected for the Dragons.