The Matchday 6 qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Armenia and Ireland will take place on September 9 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Armenia vs. Ireland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Armenia
Eghishe Melikyan's side could not put up a fight against Portugal in their first qualifying game. Playing at home, the Caucasians were thrashed by the favorites with a score of 0-5. Notably, this was Armenia's third heavy defeat at the official level, as well as their fourth consecutive loss in the World Cup qualifying cycle.
- Armenia's winless streak in the current tournament has grown to 8 matches (3 draws and 5 losses).
- At home, the Caucasians have suffered 3 consecutive heavy defeats in World Cup qualification.
- Armenians have scored in 8 of their last 10 home matches in the World Cup qualifying cycle.
Predicted lineup for Armenia (4-3-3)
Ognen Cancarevic – Stepan Mkrtchyan, Kamo Hovhannisyan, Georgi Arutyunyan, Edgar Grigoryan – Nair Tiknizyan, Ugochukwu Iwu, Artur Serobyan – Edgar Sevikyan, Tigran Barseghyan, Gor Manvelyan.
Ireland
Despite only drawing in their first game (2-2), the Irish were pleased with the point earned in their home match against Hungary. The team lost the first half 0-2, but managed to avoid defeat in the second half, scoring the equalizer in the 3rd minute of added time. Ireland's unbeaten run in World Cup qualification now stands at 6 matches – 2 wins and 4 draws.
- In the last 11 World Cup qualifying matches, Ireland has only 2 wins (5 draws and 4 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 6 of Ireland's last 7 games in this tournament.
- The Irish have scored in 9 of their last 10 away matches in World Cup qualification.
Predicted lineup for Ireland (4-3-3)
Caoimhin Kelleher – Nathan Collins, Jake O'Brien, Matt Doherty, Dara O'Shea – Finn Azaz, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen – Ryan Manning, Evan Ferguson, Sammy Szmodics.
Forward Sammy Szmodics has left the squad due to injury.
Referee
Goga Kikacheishvili (Georgia)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 50;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 18%.
Armenia vs. Ireland: Match Prediction
Heimir Hallgrímsson's side showed determination in the last round, managing to draw with Hungary. This should boost their strength and confidence, increasing their chances of a positive result at the end of the group stage. Competing for the 1st place may be unlikely, but the second spot is quite possible. However, they must defeat Armenia in both encounters.
Armenia is weak even on their home turf. In the last 11 official home matches, the Caucasians have only beaten Latvia (twice), suffering 8 defeats. On the other hand, Ireland has only lost to Portugal and Serbia in their last 10 away World Cup qualifying matches, and both were by the narrowest of margins, with 5 wins and 3 draws. Therefore, I suggest betting on an Irish victory.
My prediction – “Ireland to Win”
