2026 World Cup Qualifiers - Underdogs Ready to Turn the Tables Against Europe's Big Guns on Matchday 8
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Iceland vs. France
- Date and Time: 13 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Since the turn of the year, Iceland has endured a dismal run. Arnar Gunnlaugsson's men have managed just two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions (L2).
Among those wins was a 5-0 home mauling of Azerbaijan in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers on September 5. After that, they lost two consecutive matches against France (2-1) and, most recently, a 5-3 home beating at the hands of Ukraine.
Strakarnir Okkar are in third place in Group D and are one point behind second-placed Ukraine.
France has maintained a 100% winning record in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers and is without a doubt the favored team to win Group D. With nine points amassed, they lead at the top with a five-point cushion.
Les Bleus' recent qualifying match against Azerbaijan saw them secure a comfortable 3-0 home win. However, the stats painted a different picture from the final score.
Northern Ireland vs. Germany
- Date and Time: 13 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland are aiming to reach the World Cup for the fourth time in their history and first since 1986.
The Green and White Army's performance in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers - for a team of their caliber - has been convincing. Michael O'Neill's side are in second place in Group A and are level on six points with first-placed and third-placed Slovakia, respectively.
On Friday, the hosts secured a hard-fought 2-1 home victory against Slovakia. That result extended their unbeaten run at home to eight games (W7, D1). Will they be able to maintain this unbeaten streak? Check out our Northern Ireland vs. Germany prediction.
Germany will be out to complete a double against Northern Ireland in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. Their first meeting in this tournament turned out in their favor, as they won 3-1 at home.
Die Mannschaft will be buoyed by their recent qualifying match against ten-man Luxembourg, which witnessed them secure a dominant 4-0 home victory.
Slovenia vs. Switzerland
- Date and Time: 13 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Stozice Stadium, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Slovenia are still searching for their first win in Group B of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers, and surprisingly enough, they are not the only ones, with bottom-placed Sweden sharing the same fate as them.
Matjaz Kek's men salvaged a point in a goalless draw against Kosovo in their recent qualifiers. However, their performance in that match was pointing towards a victory. Their demise was due to a lack of creativity in the final third.
Switzerland further boosted their qualification hopes with a 2-0 away win against Sweden. This has seen them maintain a 100% winning record. Notably, they lead at the top of Group B with a five-point cushion and are favorites to win the group.
The A-Team has made life difficult for Slovenia in past meetings and heads here boasting a two-match winning streak. Most importantly, six of their last seven matches have resulted in victory. With bookmakers firmly in their corner, can they make it three straight wins? Find out what our experts have to say in our Slovenia vs. Switzerland prediction.
Wales vs. Belgium
- Date and Time: 13 October 2025, 20:45
- Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
Wales' appearance in the previous World Cup was a historic moment for them, as it marked their first participation in the world's grandest stage since 1958.
In the current FIFA World Cup European qualifiers, Wales have made significant strides in ensuring they qualify for next year's World Cup for the third time. Currently, they've amassed ten points across five games in Group J and are in third place. A two-point deficit separates them from the top spot.
Their last qualifying match saw them beat Kazakhstan 1-0 on the road. It was a much-needed result after a narrow 4-3 defeat against Belgium.
Belgium was behind a disappointing performance in their recent qualifying match. The clash against North Macedonia on home turf was supposed to be straightforward, but surprisingly, they failed to secure a win, playing to a goalless draw.
Despite that result, the Red Devils still find themselves in second place in Group J of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. The question is, can they maintain that position, or will they lose control? Check out our detailed Wales vs. Belgium prediction.
Other matchday 8 fixtures to watch out for
- North Macedonia vs Kazakhstan
- Slovakia vs Luxembourg
- Sweden vs Kosovo
- Ukraine vs Azerbaijan
