The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with an intriguing clash in Reykjavik as Iceland hosts Azerbaijan. With both teams desperate for momentum, this fixture is expected to set the tone for their Group C campaigns.
Iceland’s Current Form and Motivation
Iceland comes into this World Cup qualification (WCQ) campaign under pressure. Their UEFA Nations League relegation earlier this year highlighted struggles, with just one win in their last five matches (L4). Coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson knows his team must bounce back quickly, especially with France and Ukraine as strong competitors for qualification spots.
Despite recent struggles, Iceland remains dangerous at home, scoring in nine of their last ten matches. Fans will hope for a return to the glory of their Russia 2018 appearance, as the Nordic side looks to banish memories of a disappointing 2022 WCQ campaign.
Azerbaijan’s Challenge
For Azerbaijan, the challenge looks enormous. Ranked 122nd by FIFA and without a victory in their last ten matches (D2, L8), optimism is limited. Veteran coach Fernando Santos, who previously led Greece and Portugal at the World Cup, faces a near-impossible mission: guiding Azerbaijan to their first-ever major tournament.
The team’s attack has been blunt, failing to score more than once in any of their last ten matches. Their WCQ record is equally grim, losing nine of their previous ten qualifiers.
Head-to-Head Record
This is only the second meeting between the two nations. Their first clash was a 2008 friendly in Reykjavik, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Sixteen years later, much more is at stake.
Key Players to Watch
- Iceland:
- Andri Gudjohnsen (Blackburn Rovers) – Following in his father Eidur’s footsteps, the young striker has already shown his ability to make an impact early in games, scoring in the eighth minute of his last two scoring internationals.
- Andri Gudjohnsen (Blackburn Rovers) – Following in his father Eidur’s footsteps, the young striker has already shown his ability to make an impact early in games, scoring in the eighth minute of his last two scoring internationals.
- Azerbaijan:
- Renat Dadashov – Scored in their 2-1 defeat to Hungary and will carry the goal-scoring burden. However, three of his five international goals have come in wins, which Azerbaijan rarely secures.
Missing Players
- Iceland: Captain Aron Gunnarsson (suspended), plus injuries to Arnor Sigurdsson and Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
- Azerbaijan: Badavi Huseynov is ruled out.
These absences could weaken Iceland’s midfield stability, though their attack remains intact.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Iceland has scored in nine of their last ten matches.
- Iceland has only drawn once in its last 19 games.
- Azerbaijan has failed to score more than once in ten straight games.
- Azerbaijan has lost nine of its last ten WCQs.
Prediction and Betting Insight
Given Iceland’s stronger squad, home advantage, and Azerbaijan’s poor WCQ history, the hosts should control this game. Iceland’s attack has been reliable at home, while Azerbaijan’s defense looks shaky.
Predicted Outcome:
- Iceland is to win comfortably.
- Likely scoreline: Iceland 2-0 Azerbaijan.
- Best Bet: Iceland to win by 2+ goals.
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Final Word
Iceland’s journey to the 2026 World Cup starts with a must-win fixture against an Azerbaijan side low on confidence. Expect Iceland to deliver a statement performance in Reykjavik and boost their qualification hopes.
