2026 World Cup Qualifiers - European Heavyweights Clash with Hungry Underdogs on Matchday 7
Germany vs. Luxembourg
- Date and Time: 10 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: PreZero Arena, Sinsheim, Germany.
A powerhouse in European football, Germany was unable to impose itself in its first match of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. A clash with Slovakia, on paper, was supposed to be a straightforward assignment, with them coming out on top. That was far from the case as they were stunned in a 2-0 away defeat, extending their losing streak to three games, including the UEFA Nations League.
Die Mannschaft, however, managed to calm things down with a convincing 3-1 home win over Northern Ireland. Now, Julian Nagelsmann will have to prove that the result wasn't a fluke as they take on underdogs Luxembourg.
With their chances of qualifying for a 19th consecutive World Cup under threat, can they secure an important win here? Our experts believe so, but are ruling out a dominant victory. Check out what they have to say in our Germany vs Luxembourg prediction.
Besides being the lowest-ranked nation in Group A, Luxembourg have accepted their fate as the whipping boys of the group. Their start to the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers has been underwhelming, as has been the case in recent qualifiers.
The Red Lions have suffered two consecutive defeats, including a 1-0 home defeat against Slovakia. It has to be noted that they are winless in nine matches, excluding friendlies, making their prospects of a first win in the qualifiers next to impossible.
Belgium vs. North Macedonia
- Date and Time: 10 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Ghelamco Arena, Ghent, Belgium.
Belgium encountered a minor setback in its first match of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. A point was shared in a dramatic 1-1 away draw against table-toppers North Macedonia. This is the same reason why Rudi Garcia's men are not occupying the top spot in Group J and are playing second fiddle.
However, optimism still lingers, considering they have a game in hand and have won each of their last three qualifying matches, including a 6-0 demolition of unsuspecting Kazakhstan. This was not the first time they won by such a scoreline, having come off a mirror result against Liechtenstein. Are we in for another goal-fest affair when they meet North Macedonia? Let's find out what our experts have to say in our Belgium vs North Macedonia prediction.
North Macedonia are the league leader in Group J and they dare to dream of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in their history since gaining independence in 1991.
It has been an impressive start to the qualifying campaign with Blagoja Milevski's charges maintaining a five-match unbeaten run. This includes notable draws against Belgium and Wales.
The Lynxes are aware that there's no time for complacency with three games remaining, and one misstep could see them lose control at the top. Their recent qualifying match was a 5-0 home mauling of Liechtenstein.
France vs. Azerbaijan
- Date and Time: 10 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France.
France, ranked second in the world, are the overwhelming favorite to win Group D in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers with many best online betting sites. Currently, they are at the top with a three-point cushion.
Didier Deschamps' men have already stormed to a two-match winning streak, and their most recent outing was a hard-fought 2-1 home victory against Iceland despite being at a numerical disadvantage for about 22 minutes, including stoppage time.
The spotlight, however, at Parc des Princes will shine on Kylian Mbappe. The talisman has scored 52 goals in 92 appearances for the senior national team and is on the brink of making history. If he scores five goals this Friday, that will put him level with Oliver Giroud for the record of 57 goals. Failure to do so shouldn't be a dealbreaker, as the record is bound to get broken either way as time goes by.
Azerbaijan have managed a point in Group D of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. It came against Ukraine in a 1-1 draw. That result came as a surprise from a nation that little was expected from them.
Milli Komanda's performance has left much to be desired, to be honest. They've failed to win in their last eight games across all competitions, excluding friendlies. Their porous defense contributed to their struggles as they conceded an alarming 23 goals. This is why our France vs Azerbaijan prediction is routing for the home team to run berserk in the final third and secure a dominant win.
Other Matchday 7 fixtures to watch out for
- Kazakhstan vs Liechtenstein
- Iceland vs Ukraine
- Kosovo vs Slovenia
- Northern Ireland vs Slovakia
- Sweden vs Switzerland
