Predictions for the 9th and 10th matchdays of the 2025/26 World Cup Qualifiers. From Luxembourg vs. Germany to Spain vs. Turkey. Current form and betting tips at a glance.
The World Cup Qualifiers are entering their decisive phase – the final two matchdays are here. Now it will be decided who secures a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, who has to take the detour via the play-offs, and for whom the dream of the World Cup comes to an end. Excitement is guaranteed in nearly every group, as many teams are still neck and neck. The main focus, of course, is on the German national team: the DFB squad faces Luxembourg and Slovakia in their final fixtures. After an inconsistent qualification campaign, Julian Nagelsmann’s team wants to finish strong and secure first place in the group with convincing wins. It’s not just about points – it’s about sending a message on the road to the World Cup.
England continues to impress under Thomas Tuchel and are already among the top World Cup favorites. With only a few games left before the tournament, Tuchel is likely to fine-tune his preferred starting eleven. Serbia, meanwhile, will rely on passion and physicality. After their 0–5 loss in the first leg, they’ll be eager to redeem themselves and will give England a fierce battle.
Tip: 1
Italy traditionally remains a powerhouse at home – compact and tactically disciplined throughout. But after a clear defeat in Denmark, the Azzurri are under pressure to deliver a statement performance in front of their fans.
Norway, led by Ødegaard and striker Haaland, arrive full of confidence. The team is cohesive and extremely dangerous going forward. If the Scandinavians can impose their pace, Italy could be in trouble.
Tip: Draw
Germany faces pressure in their final qualifier. After a disappointing loss in the reverse fixture, Nagelsmann’s team is eager to make amends and finish qualification on a high note.
Slovakia has already proven they can trouble Germany and have players like Duda who can make the most of limited chances.
Tip: 1
Poland consolidated their strong position with a 2–0 win in Lithuania and remain in contention for the play-offs. Lewandowski is in fine goal-scoring form. But the Netherlands represent their toughest test yet. The Dutch side is in top form – two consecutive 4–0 wins and four different goal scorers against Finland. Koeman’s team plays dynamically, efficiently, and with great attacking intent. Poland will need to rely on fight and efficiency to compete.
Tip: Draw
Italy traditionally remains a powerhouse at home – compact and tactically disciplined throughout. But after a clear defeat in Denmark, the Azzurri are under pressure to deliver a statement performance in front of their fans.
Norway, led by Ødegaard and striker Haaland, arrive full of confidence. The team is cohesive and extremely dangerous going forward. If the Scandinavians can impose their pace, Italy could be in trouble.
Tip: Draw
Germany faces pressure in their final qualifier. After a disappointing loss in the reverse fixture, Nagelsmann’s team is eager to make amends and finish qualification on a high note.
Slovakia has already proven they can trouble Germany and have players like Duda who can make the most of limited chances.
Tip: 1
Spain, with their technically gifted and cohesive squad, are among the top World Cup favorites. The team around Yamal and Williams dominates nearly every game. Turkey, with talents like Güler, Yildiz, and Calhanoglu, has plenty of attacking potential but still carries the scars of their 0–6 defeat in the first leg. Against this Spanish side, there’s likely nothing to gain.
Tip: 1
A must-win with symbolic value: Germany faces Luxembourg in what looks like a straightforward fixture on paper but still carries major importance for Nagelsmann and his team. After a mixed qualification phase, the DFB squad wants to make a statement and build confidence for the upcoming World Cup. The mission is clear: dominance, creativity, and goals.
In the reverse fixture, Germany claimed a commanding 4–0 win and controlled the match throughout. Still, Nagelsmann urges focus – too often his side has struggled to turn possession into genuine danger. Defensively, they’ll need to avoid sloppy turnovers, as Luxembourg can be dangerous on the counter.
For Luxembourg, this match is a bonus opportunity. Their World Cup dreams are over, but they’ll approach the game with courage and commitment. Their compact defending and physical style make them an awkward opponent. If they can hold out early, they might briefly unsettle the favorite.
Prediction: Germany’s individual quality will prevail comfortably. Home win.
Top clash in Group G! Poland hosts the Netherlands – a duel with huge implications both on the pitch and in the standings. Both teams are on track for the World Cup, but while Oranje impresses with effortless play, Poland still needs points to secure a play-off spot.
Led by captain Robert Lewandowski, Poland recently looked solid with a 2–0 win over Lithuania. But against the Netherlands, they’ll face a much sterner test.
Koeman’s side travels full of confidence. After a dominant 4–0 win over Finland, the Dutch remain unbeaten and exude attacking confidence. Depay and Gakpo are in sync, while Frenkie de Jong controls the midfield with ease. Oranje is currently one of Europe’s most in-form teams.
Prediction: Poland will fight hard and rely on Lewandowski’s presence, but the Netherlands are tactically and technically superior.
Revenge or repeat? Spain is playing like a title contender in this qualification campaign. La Furia Roja combines speed, technique, and possession football at the highest level. Few teams look as cohesive and dominant. Stars like Rodri, Williams, and Yamal provide regular moments of brilliance. With the World Cup in mind, Spain wants to underline its status as a favorite.
Turkey, meanwhile, has improved significantly throughout the qualifiers. With young stars Arda Güler, Kenan Yildiz, Uzun, and playmaker Calhanoglu, they have creativity and attacking flair. Still, the 0–6 humiliation from the first leg weighs heavily – they’ll be eager to make amends.
Prediction: Turkey will show more courage this time, but Spain’s quality will prevail. 3–1 to La Roja.
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