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Franzi | Games 
08-Oct-2025 | Sportsbetting
World Cup Qualification Matchday Forecast – Matchdays 7 & 8
All predictions for Matchdays 7 & 8 of the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers: From Germany vs. Northern Ireland to Poland vs. the Netherlands. Current form, statistics, and betting tips at a glance.
approx. 3 min.
World Cup Qualification Matchday Forecast – Matchdays 7 & 8
The first trends are beginning to emerge in the World Cup qualifiers: Germany are eager to quickly put their poor start in Group A behind them and get back on track. In Group B, Switzerland continue to dominate without dropping a single point and are aiming for another win. Denmark and Scotland remain unbeaten at the top of Group C, while the ever-successful French side confidently hold first place in Group D. Spain are flawless in Group E, and their neighbours Portugal are leading Group F in commanding fashion.
In the remaining groups, there have been no major surprises so far – only Italy need to stay alert: the Azzurri are currently trailing slightly behind Norway in Group I and are already under pressure.
Merkur Quick Tips for World Cup qualification matchday 7
Scotland vs Greece
Everything is still up for grabs in Group C: Scotland and Greece are currently neck and neck with Denmark, both looking to secure the best possible chances for a World Cup ticket. We expect a closely contested match.
Tip: Draw (X) + both teams to score
Czech Republic vs. Croatia
Clash of the group leaders: Croatia currently top Group L, but the Czech Republic are level on points in second place and sense their opportunity. A match that could turn the group upside down – or provide the first clear indication in the battle for first place.
Tip: Away win (2) + under 3.5 goals
Germany vs. Luxembourg
Germany are looking to make amends after their disappointing start and aim to take the first step towards the top of the table with a mandatory win against Luxembourg. Luxembourg, on the other hand, remain without a point after the first two matches and are already under pressure.
Tip: Home win (1) + over 4.5 goals
Sweden vs. Switzerland
Group B: Sweden are dissatisfied after collecting just one point from two matches and now want to take Switzerland’s first points away from them. The Swiss have yet to concede a goal – but the Swedish attack is determined to end that run as soon as possible.
Tip: Away win (2) + under 3.5 goals
Norway vs. Israel
Norway are leading Group I and want to pick up right where they left off – with five wins from five matches. The team will be looking to stay focused against Israel and further consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Tip: Correct score bet – 2:0
Bulgaria vs. Turkey
After suffering a heavy defeat against European champions Spain, Turkey now want to bounce back, win their clash with Bulgaria, and close the gap to Spain in Group E. Bulgaria, meanwhile, are still chasing their first points – and their first goal of this qualification campaign.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Portugal vs. Ireland
Top versus bottom – Portugal face Ireland. The signs ahead of this clash seem clear, but every match has to be played, and the Irish should not be underestimated. Will Portugal keep marching on?
Tip: Home win (1) + over 3.5 goals
HSV vs. Mainz
The fiery first leg ended goalless. In the return match between these two teams, there’s now plenty at stake: Albania want to defend their second place – a position Serbia would be more than happy to take over.
Tip: Correct score bet – 1:1
Merkur Quick Tips for World Cup qualification matchday 8
Netherlands vs. Finland
The Netherlands remain unbeaten at the top of the table. Finland are eyeing second place – but will first need to get past Poland.
Tip: Correct score bet – 4:0
Denmark vs. Greece
Group C remains highly competitive – every point is worth its weight in gold. Who will come out on top in this clash?
Tip: Home win (1) + under 3.5 goals
Northern Ireland vs. Germany
Germany won the first leg, but in the return match in Northern Ireland, the hosts will be eager to turn the tables.
Tip: Away win (2) + over 3.5 goals
Slovenia vs. Switzerland
Switzerland are determined to defend their lead at the top of the table and avoid any slip-ups against Slovenia. Slovenia, on the other hand, are hoping to pick up points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Tip: Away win (2) + over 2.5 goals
Iceland vs. France
France continue to cruise unbeaten through the qualifiers and will be looking to further underline their dominance. Can Iceland pose a threat?
Tip: Correct score bet – 5:0
Turkey vs. Georgia
Turkey need points to stay in the race for the play-offs. But Georgia are also eager to collect some – could this Group E clash already turn into a mini final?
Tip: Away win (2) + under 3.5 goals
Portugal vs. Hungary
Will Portugal once again show their attacking strength and send Hungary home empty-handed?
Tip: Home win (1) + over 3.5 goals
Italy vs. Israel
Italy are determined not to miss out on another World Cup – which is why the Squadra Azzurra will be giving their all once again against Israel. Will it be enough for those all-important three points this time?
Tip: Correct score bet – 2:1
