The Matchday 6 World Cup 2026 qualifier between Albania and Latvia will take place on September 9 at the "Arena Kombëtare" in Tirana. Albania vs. Latvia: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Albania
After a 0-2 defeat to England in the first round, the Balkan team has remained unbeaten. They thrashed Andorra 3-0 and secured two draws against Serbia (0-0) and Latvia (1-1). After four matches, Albania is in third place, just two points behind Serbia, although they have played one more game.
- At least one team failed to score in 9 of Albania's last 10 World Cup qualifiers.
- No more than two goals were scored in 6 of Albania's last 8 matches in this tournament.
- Albania has lost only once in their last 6 home qualifiers for the World Cup (4 wins and 1 draw).
Predicted lineup for Albania (4-3-3)
Thomas Strakosha – Ivan Balliu, Ardian Ismajli, Marash Kumbulla, Mario Mitaj – Qazim Laci, Ylber Shehu, Kristjan Asllani – Arber Hoxha, Rey Manaj, Armando Broja.
Latvia
In the last round, Paolo Nicolato's side hosted Serbia. Despite a decent performance by the hosts, the match ended with a 1-0 victory for the Balkans. This was Latvia's third consecutive winless match in the current qualifiers (1 draw and 2 losses). They have only one victory over Andorra, which they lead in the standings. Latvia is also 3 points behind Serbia, who are second in the group.
- Latvia has not won in 8 of their last 10 World Cup qualifiers (3 draws and 5 losses).
- No more than two goals were scored in 7 of Latvia's last 10 games in this tournament.
- Latvia has not lost in 5 of their last 6 away World Cup qualifiers (2 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Latvia (5-3-2)
Kristers Zvejnieks – Alvis Jaunzems, Daniels Balodis, Vitalijs Jagodinskis, Andrejs Ciganiks, Raivis Jurkovskis – Renars Varslavans, Aleksejs Saveljevs, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs – Janis Ikaunieks, Vladislavs Gutkovskis.
Forward Janis Ikaunieks will not play due to personal reasons.
Referee
Damian Sylwestrzak (Poland)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 62;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 43%.
Match Prediction: Albania vs. Latvia
The hosts are clear favorites in the upcoming match. However, I believe the visitors have a decent chance of avoiding defeat, or at least keeping it minimal. Albania is strong at home, but in their last 16 home matches in this tournament, they have only secured 3 wins by more than one goal, all against weaker European teams.
Since Paolo Nicolato took over as coach, Latvia has been playing slightly better and more confidently. In their last 7 official matches, they have only lost once by a margin of two or more goals, and that was against England. In their last 6 away World Cup qualifiers, Latvia has suffered just 1 defeat (against England).
My prediction: "Latvia with a handicap (+1.5)"
