2026 World Cup Qualifiers - European Qualifiers Reach Boiling Point as Matchday 8 Gets Underway
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Netherlands vs. Finland
- Date and Time: 12 October 2025, 18:00
- Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Netherlands are ranked 7th in the FIFA Rankings, and that was very much evident in their recent qualifying match against Malta. Ronald Koeman's men showed empathy to their opponents by not embarrassing them in a heavy defeat. However, they did manage to leave them heartbroken in a 4-0 away victory. Liverpool star Cody Gakpo was the man of the moment as he scored two goals from the penalty spot. By doing so, he became the first Dutch player to achieve this feat in a single game. The last person to hold this record was the prolific Rob Rensenbrink in 1978.
The Oranje still maintain the top spot in Group G with a three-point lead. Will they be able to cement their position even further with a convincing win over Finland? Check out what our experts have to say in our Netherlands vs Finland prediction.
Finland almost saw their qualification hopes thwarted in their last meeting against Lithuania. The Eagle-owls found themselves on the back foot after conceding a goal from Pijus Sirvys in the 25th minute and couldn't find an answer for the entire first half. Whatever words of motivation head coach Jacob Friis whispered in his men's ears during halftime definitely had a positive impact, as they came back as a rejuvenated team. Goals from Benjamin Kallman and Adam Markhiyev in the space of seven minutes were enough to guide them to a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
Croatia vs. Gibraltar
- Date and Time: 12 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, Varazdin, Croatia.
Croatia are not in a jubilant mood heading into this clash. In fact, disappointment is what they are feeling right now after their recent unconvincing FIFA World Cup European qualifiers match against Czechia. The Checkered Ones couldn't get the job done at Fortuna Arena, playing to a goalless draw. That witnessed the end of their 100% winning record in Group L. However, they still maintain the top spot in the group with 13 points and are level on points with second-placed Czechia, who have played one more game than them.
Gibraltar might as well consider themselves a sacrificial lamb heading into this clash because of their lacklustre performance in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. In fact, they are the whipping boys of Group L, having lost five straight matches while conceding an alarming 17 goals. Their last match in the qualifiers was a slender 1-0 home defeat against Faroe Islands on September 8. In preparation for the one qualifying match in October, Team 54 suffered an embarrassing 2-0 defeat against New Caledonia in a friendly clash.
Their chances of causing an upset in this fixture are next to impossible. Besides suffering two consecutive defeats, conceding 11 goals in the process, this is a side that was humiliated on matchday three of the qualifiers, losing 7-0 at Estádio Algarve. Our experts expect little from them in this one and combined with a very weak backline they are also rooting for their heavy defeat. Check out what they have to say in our Croatia vs Gibraltar prediction.
Denmark vs. Greece
- Date and Time: 12 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Parken, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Denmark are moving at the right pace in their bid to reach the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time. With seven points amassed from three games, they lead at the top of Group C. It must be pointed out that they are level on points with second-placed Scotland, but find themselves in their current position due to a superior goal difference. The Red and Whites made light work of Belarus last time out in the qualifiers, securing a dominant 6-0 away victory.
Check out Denmark's stats against Belarus on matchday seven of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers:
| Belarus | Stats | Denamrk |
|---|---|---|
| 0.32 | Expected Goals (xG) | 4.72 |
| 23% | Ball Possession | 77% |
| 5 | Total Shots | 24 |
| 1 | Shots on target | 11 |
| 4 | Corner Kicks | 7 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
Greece made a promising start to the qualifying campaign by beating Belarus 5-1 at home. However, they've shown their weakness when facing stronger opposition, as they suffered two consecutive defeats against Denmark (0-3) and, most recently, Scotland (3-1). They currently find themselves in third place in Group C and are four points behind the top two teams, hinting at the possibility of a fighting chance. Is this really the fixture that'll see the National end their losing streak? See our Denmark vs Greece prediction.
Other matchday 8 fixtures to watch out for
- San Marino vs Cyprus
- Faroe Islands vs Czechia
- Scotland vs Belarus
- Lithuania vs Poland
- Romania vs Austria
