bet365

2026 World Cup European Qualifiers Preview (October 14, 2025) – 14.10. 2025

Estonia vs Moldova (14.10.2025, 18:00)

Tip: Double chance: Estonia or draw

A clash between the bottom two sides of Group I promises an intriguing battle for pride and to avoid finishing last. Estonia finally ended a long goal drought against Italy when Rauno Sappinen capitalised on a mistake by Donnarumma, and they will hope that home advantage in Tallinn can help them build on that momentum. Coach Jürgen Henn relies on the experience of defender Karol Mets and the young Maksim Paskotsi, while Alex Tamm or Sappinen should lead the line in attack. Defensive issues, however, continue to plague Estonia, who have already conceded 20 goals in the group and cannot afford any mistakes even against a struggling opponent. Moldova arrive in disarray after suffering the worst defeat in their history (1-11 against Norway) and are looking to start a new era under new coach Lilian Popescu. The absence of top scorer Ion Nicolaescu is a huge blow, meaning Vitalie Damascan or Alexandru Boiciuc are expected to step up. Midfielder Vadim Rata, one of the few Moldovan players in good form, will also be one to watch. The reverse fixture in March ended 3-2 for Estonia in a chaotic match with two red cards, and this encounter could once again be decided by a single goal in a tense, error-filled affair.

Andorra vs Serbia (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Serbia to win

For Serbia, the match in Encamp is a last chance to keep their hopes of direct qualification alive, while Andorra can play with no pressure. The hosts ended a five-match losing streak with a surprising 2-2 draw in Latvia, where they not only scored twice but showed attacking intent. Defenders Ian Olivera and Moises San Nicolas scored both goals, and despite being reduced to ten men late on, Andorra held on for a valuable point. Coach Koldo Alvarez’s side still struggles with scoring goals, which will be a major problem against a strong opponent. Serbia enter this game following a shock defeat to Albania, after which coach Dragan Stojkovic resigned. Led by Aleksandar Mitrovic – who netted a hat-trick in the reverse fixture – the team must respond and show character. Injuries are a concern, with Milenkovic, Lukic, and goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic all out, but the visitors still possess far superior quality. Serbia boast stronger players in every position, including star forwards Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic, and should dominate despite their recent struggles. If they can break down Andorra’s defence early, this could turn into a one-sided affair.

Italy vs Israel (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Italy to win

Italy are on the verge of securing second place in the group and a playoff berth, needing just a single point, but Gennaro Gattuso’s ambitions go beyond that. The Azzurri have recovered from a poor start and are now on a four-game winning run, scoring 13 goals in their last three matches. The reverse fixture against Israel was a nine-goal thriller, with Sandro Tonali scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner. It was not only an important victory but also a demonstration of Italy’s attacking power, featuring players like Mateo Retegui and rising star Francesco Pio Esposito. Gianluca Mancini and Leonardo Spinazzola will marshal the defence, while Giacomo Raspadori is expected to contribute up front. Israel arrive in Udine as underdogs but know they must win to stay in contention. Ran Ben Shimon’s side relies on the creativity of Ajax’s Oscar Gloukh and the pace of Manor Solomon, but defensive frailties remain – they have conceded nine goals in their last two games. Further problems include the injury to Dor Peretz, who scored twice in the first meeting. Israel were also hammered by Norway last time out, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick. Italy’s home advantage and big-game experience should prove decisive.

Latvia vs England (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: England to win

England travel to Riga with a clear objective – to secure top spot in the group and qualification for the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel’s team have won every qualifying game so far and boast a perfect defensive record, having yet to concede a goal. They comfortably beat Wales 3-0 in a recent friendly, with Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins, and Morgan Rogers all impressing. Captain Harry Kane, recovering from an ankle injury, is expected to return and lead the attack alongside Marcus Rashford. Latvia will try to spring a surprise, but the reality is harsh – they have just one win in qualifying and disappointed with a draw against Andorra at the weekend. Coach Paolo Nicolato’s side struggles in attack and are missing key striker Roberts Uldrikis. Their defence has also been porous against top opposition, conceding 41 goals and scoring just once in their last 14 matches against top-10 nations. England cruised to a 3-0 win at Wembley and, if they score early again, a similar result looks likely here.

Portugal vs Hungary (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Portugal to win

Portugal can book their place at the World Cup with a win and remain firmly in control of their destiny. Roberto Martinez’s side have a perfect record so far, and their narrow 1-0 win over Ireland showed their ability to grind out results. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in that match, but Ruben Neves stepped up with a late winner to seal the victory. The defence, led by Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, has been solid, while Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes provide attacking support alongside Ronaldo. Hungary travel to Lisbon buoyed by a 2-0 win over Armenia, which keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot. Their key man will be Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who can dictate play and threaten from set-pieces. Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga return to strengthen the attack. However, Hungary have historically struggled against Portugal – they lost 2-3 in September and have not beaten them in their last 15 meetings. If Portugal maintain their focus, they could seal the match before half-time.

Republic of Ireland vs Armenia (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Double chance: Ireland or draw

Ireland will aim to bounce back from a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat to Portugal and avoid finishing bottom of the group. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side produced a spirited performance in Lisbon but continues to lack attacking firepower, having failed to score more than once in a single qualifier. The potential return of striker Troy Parrott, who was in superb form for AZ Alkmaar before injury, could boost their chances. Nathan Collins will once again marshal the defence, while Jack Taylor is expected to replace the suspended Josh Cullen in midfield. Armenia rely heavily on fight and individual quality, with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Grant-Leon Ranos and captain Tigran Barseghyan posing threats in attack. However, Eghishe Melikyan’s side has serious defensive issues, conceding at least once in each of their last 34 matches. Their only qualifying win came against Ireland (2-1), a result they will aim to repeat. History, though, favours the hosts, who have never lost to Armenia at home. A balanced contest with chances at both ends is expected.

Spain vs Bulgaria (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Spain to win

Spain continue to justify their status as group favourites and are marching confidently towards a 13th consecutive World Cup appearance. Luis de la Fuente’s team have won all three matches so far, showcasing their attacking dominance with six goals against Turkey and three against Bulgaria in the reverse fixture. Mikel Oyarzabal is in excellent form, having scored in six of his last eight international games, while young midfielder Pedri dictates the tempo. The defence, led by Aymeric Laporte, has conceded just twice and looks rock-solid. Bulgaria are in crisis. After coach Iliev’s dismissal, Aleksandar Dimitrov’s debut ended in disaster with a 1-6 home defeat to Turkey, as his side collapsed in the second half. Captain Kiril Despodov remains their only real attacking threat, but even his creativity often isn’t enough against top opposition. Bulgaria’s defence has conceded at least two goals in each of their last seven matches – a worrying statistic. Spain should control the match from start to finish and cruise to another convincing victory.

Turkey vs Georgia (14.10.2025, 20:45)

Tip: Turkey to win

Turkey’s objective is clear – consolidate second place and move closer to a playoff berth. After being thrashed by Spain, Vincenzo Montella’s side responded emphatically with a 6-1 demolition of Bulgaria, boosting their confidence. Young Real Madrid star Arda Güler has been in fine form, contributing three goals and three assists in his last six games. Kenan Yildiz is also expected to lead the attack after scoring twice at the weekend. Turkey have an excellent record against Georgia, winning their last three meetings with an aggregate score of 9-3. Georgia’s hopes rest heavily on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has scored three times in his last four internationals. Willy Sagnol’s team knows that a defeat would effectively end their qualification hopes, so they are likely to take an attacking approach. Defender Luka Lochoshvili returns to bolster the backline after suspension, but Georgia could still struggle to contain Turkey’s firepower, especially if the hosts score early. Quality, form, and home advantage all point to a Turkish win.

Latest Match Previews and Analyses

bet365
bet365
Contact : admin @ vitisport.cz GambleAware.org