Tip: Georgia to win
Georgia opened their qualifying campaign with a 3-2 defeat against Turkey, but they showed fighting spirit and thanks to the performances of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Zuriko Davitashvili, they were close to equalising. The home side will have the advantage of a passionate crowd in Tbilisi, where they traditionally play aggressively and with high intensity. Under Willy Sagnol, the national team wants to build on their historic qualification for Euro 2024, where they advanced to the round of 16. Bulgaria, on the other hand, began their qualifying cycle with a heavy 3-0 defeat to Spain, which exposed serious problems in their defensive organisation. Star forward Kiril Despodov did not even get a chance against Spain and the whole team looked toothless. The head-to-head record is relatively balanced, but Georgia currently have the stronger squad, especially in attack. If Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze perform again, they have a big chance of securing their first win in the qualifiers. The motivation to take a step towards a historic World Cup qualification is huge and should be transformed into three points.
Tip: Netherlands to win
Lithuania once again confirmed their struggles with a 1-1 draw against Malta, salvaged only by a last-minute penalty in the 97th minute. Trispalvés are now winless in 12 matches and their squad lacks quality, with Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis being the only standout player. The defence looks shaky and the attack relies on random opportunities. The Netherlands, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland, but they dominated the match and created many clear chances. Ronald Koeman has a star-studded team at his disposal, with Memphis Depay still being the key attacking figure and Virgil van Dijk leading the backline. Oranje have scored 11 goals in their first three qualifiers and are among the most productive sides in Europe. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations, and in Kaunas the visitors are expected to control proceedings from start to finish. Everything points to a convincing away win that would keep the Netherlands top of the group.
Tip: North Macedonia to win
North Macedonia have built a strong reputation over the past few years, qualifying for Euro 2020 and coming close to reaching the 2022 World Cup. In this qualifying cycle, they remain unbeaten, with wins over Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan, along with draws against Belgium and Wales. Coach Blagoja Milevski can rely on creative players such as Enis Bardhi and Eljif Elmas, who are capable of deciding matches. Liechtenstein, in contrast, continue their long-term struggles with four straight defeats, conceding 14 goals and failing to score once. Their last game ended in a 6-0 hammering by Belgium, which underlined the gulf in quality. Nicolas Hasler is their most experienced player, but the attack is largely harmless. Historically, North Macedonia have dominated the head-to-head encounters and the atmosphere in Skopje will only strengthen their hand. With a superior squad and better form, the hosts should collect a routine victory to stay in the race for qualification.
Tip: Belgium to win
Belgium bounced back from their opening draw with North Macedonia by comfortably beating Wales and Liechtenstein, showcasing the depth and quality of their squad. Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative engine, while newly appointed captain Youri Tielemans has been in brilliant form, directly contributing to four goals in his last two international matches. The Red Devils have an outstanding record in World Cup qualifying, having not lost a match since October 2009. Kazakhstan, on the other hand, have endured a poor start with three defeats in four games, including home losses to both Wales and North Macedonia. Their only bright spot was a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein, but away from home they have lost 10 of their last 11 fixtures. Ali Alip’s injury is another blow for the struggling Hawks, whose squad lacks both experience and quality. Belgium should be far too strong in Brussels and are expected to win comfortably. The only question is by how many goals.
Tip: Germany to win
Germany suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opening qualifier, only their fourth ever loss in a World Cup qualifying match. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have been criticised for their leaky defence, which has conceded at least two goals in every game this year. The team desperately needs a reaction, and will look to the creativity of Florian Wirtz and the experience of Serge Gnabry, while Niclas Füllkrug and Nick Woltemade are battling for the striker role. Northern Ireland, by contrast, began with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg, showing fight and efficiency under manager Michael O’Neill. He has revitalised the squad, mixing youth and experience, but history is not on their side – they have lost their last nine meetings with Germany. The difference in squad depth and individual quality is enormous, and Germany cannot afford another slip-up. The hosts are clear favourites and should claim three points to get their campaign back on track.
Tip: Slovakia to win
Slovakia made a sensational start to their campaign by defeating Germany 2-0, a result that shocked the football world and gave the team huge confidence. David Hancko and David Strelec were the scorers in Bratislava, and coach Francesco Calzona has built a compact and disciplined side. Before this, Slovakia had gone four matches without a win, but this breakthrough victory has changed the atmosphere completely. Luxembourg, on the other hand, lost 3-1 to Northern Ireland and showed once again that they struggle against better-organised sides. A red card for Seid Korac further weakened them, and coach Jeff Strasser faces a tough challenge. The head-to-head record clearly favours Slovakia, who won 4-0 the last time they visited Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier two decades ago. The hosts do have some talent in Danel Sinani, but overall their quality is insufficient. Slovakia are expected to build on their victory over Germany and consolidate their position as group favourites.
Tip: Poland to win
Poland earned a valuable 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands, proving under new coach Jan Urban that they can compete against top opposition with organisation and resilience. Aston Villa’s Matty Cash scored the equaliser, while Robert Lewandowski is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested. The Poles are particularly strong at home, winning their last three matches without conceding a goal. Finland, however, have also made a strong start to the campaign and even beat Poland earlier in June thanks to goals from Joel Pohjanpalo and Benjamin Kallman. Their performances, led by Glen Kamara and Oliver Antman, have been consistent, but they often struggle away from home. History shows Poland have usually dominated Finland on home soil. With Lewandowski back and the team growing in confidence, Poland are clear favourites to win. Three points are crucial in such a competitive group and the White and Reds are expected to deliver.
Tip: Spain to win
Turkey began their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Georgia, but defensive frailties were exposed as they conceded twice and nearly threw away a three-goal lead. Coach Vincenzo Montella can rely on emerging stars such as Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz, but facing Spain will be a much tougher challenge. La Roja started with a commanding 3-0 win over Bulgaria, with Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino all on target. Spain continue to build on their Euro 2024 triumph and have the depth and experience to dominate this group. The head-to-head record is heavily in their favour, with three consecutive wins over Turkey, including a 3-0 success at Euro 2016. While Turkey will have passionate support in Istanbul, the difference in quality between the squads is stark. Lamine Yamal is in outstanding form and could be decisive once again. Spain are strong favourites and should claim another three points to strengthen their grip on top spot.