World Cup Qualifiers - The Scramble for Qualification Continues on Matchday 9
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Croatia vs. Faroe Islands
- Date and Time: 14 November 2025, 20:45 (BST)
- Venue: Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
Croatia can already picture themselves playing in the World Cup finals for the seventh time in their history. The objective is quite simple as they need a point in the upcoming encounter with Faroe Islands to achieve this feat.
The Checkered Ones currently lead at the top of Group L with a three-point cushion after accumulating 16 points from six qualifying games. Additionally, they have two games at hand, which increases their chances of topping the group.
Zlatko Dalic's side had no trouble seeing off the threat of Gibraltar in a 3-0 victory at Varazdin. That marked their fifth win in six games. It's worth noting that they've maintained five clean shutouts in the qualifiers.
Faroe Islands are high in confidence, having won three consecutive matches in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. Their most recent triumph came against Czechia, snatching three points in a 2-1 victory.
The National Team are hoping this will be enough to beat Croatia and keep their qualification hopes for a first World Cup finals appearance alive.
Luxembourg vs. Germany
- Date and Time: 14 November 2025, 20:45 (BST)
- Venue: Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
Luxembourg's prospects of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America are dead and buried. Their situation in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers continues to worsen with each passing matchday.
Under the new management of Jeff Strasser, they have yet to win a game in this tournament. Four consecutive defeats see them anchored at the bottom of the table in Group A with no points to their name.
The Red Lions have two games remaining in the qualifiers in a bid to earn their first point but it won't be easy. Firstly, they need to prove themselves against Germany, a side they've lost to in five consecutive matches. Check out our Luxembourg vs Germany prediction on whether the home side can turn the tables around or not.
Unsurprisingly, Germany are at the top of the table in Group A. However, qualification is yet to be granted as they are level on points with second-placed Slovakia, but they are where they are thanks to a better goal difference.
Die Mannschaft began the qualifying campaign with a 2-0 away defeat against Slovakia. This was their first-ever defeat in this tournament. After that, they managed to get the ball rolling with three consecutive wins, including an unconvincing 1-0 away win over Northern Ireland. A win here would be very much appreciated - a dominant one at that - as it will help them maintain their position at the top.
Poland vs. Netherlands
- Date and Time: 14 November 2025, 20:45 (BST)
- Venue: Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland.
A point separates these two nations in Group G, with the Netherlands leading at the top after accumulating 16 points from six games.
Poland are within reach of securing the second spot, but their goal is firmly set on topping the group, meaning a point here won't be enough.
Confidence should be high for the Polish side after beating Lithuania 2-0 in their recent qualifier match to make it two wins on the bounce.
The White-Reds have also been impressive on home soil. They enter this match riding a five-match winning streak. However, recent meetings in this fixture suggest they will be behind an unfavorable outcome. For more insights and analysis, head over to our Poland vs Netherlands prediction to see what our experts have to say about this match.
Even if the Netherlands were to lose here, nothing much is expected to change as they would still occupy the top spot because of their superior goal difference.
The Oranje have been on an impressive run in the qualifiers, winning three consecutive matches, including two successive 4-0 victories over Malta and Finland.
