Azerbaijan vs Ukraine: prediction & betting odds 9 September 2025

The Matchday 6 fixture of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Azerbaijan and Ukraine will take place on September 9 at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku. Azerbaijan vs. Ukraine: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Azerbaijan

Fernando Santos's side had the worst start in Group D. In their first match, the Caucasians visited Iceland and suffered a 0-5 defeat. Notably, this was their second consecutive heavy loss at the official level, having previously been thrashed by Sweden in the Nations League (0-6). In the European World Cup qualifiers, Azerbaijan is on a streak of five consecutive losses.

After the Matchday 5 game, head coach Fernando Santos mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the national team. Ayhan Abbasov, the coach of Azerbaijan's youth team, will serve as the interim head coach against Ukraine.

• The team has conceded at least three goals in their last five World Cup qualifying matches.
• Azerbaijan's winless streak in this tournament stands at 11 matches (1 draw and 10 losses).
• The Caucasians have scored in 8 of their last 12 World Cup qualification matches.

Predicted lineup for Azerbaijan (3-5-2)

Shahrudin Magomedaliev – Rahman Dashdemirov, Behlul Mustafazade, Elvin Badalov – Ismayil Ibrahimli, Elvin Jafarquliyev, Emin Mahmudov, Sabuhi Abdullazade, Jalal Guseynov – Mahir Emreli, Nariman Akhundzade.

Ukraine

Serhiy Rebrov's side also began their qualifying campaign with a loss. On neutral ground in Poland, Ukraine could not challenge the group favorites, France, and lost 0-2. This was their second consecutive goalless defeat at the official level, following a heavy loss to Belgium in March (0-3). Notably, in their last 11 World Cup qualification matches, Ukraine avoided defeat nine times (3 wins and 6 draws).

• Both teams scored in 8 of Ukraine's last 11 World Cup qualifying games.
• No more than two goals were scored in 12 of Ukraine's last 15 matches in this tournament.
• Away from home, Ukraine has only 1 loss in their last 7 European World Cup qualification matches (4 wins and 2 draws).

Predicted lineup for Ukraine (4-5-1)

Anatoliy Trubin – Yukhym Konoplia, Illia Zabarnyi, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mykola Matviyenko – Oleksandr Zubkov, Yehor Yarmolyuk, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi, Heorhii Sudakov, Oleksii Hutsuliak – Artem Dovbyk.

Forwards Roman Yaremchuk and Viktor Tsyhankov, defender Vitalii Mykolenko, and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin are out due to injuries.

Referee

Vasilios Fotiadis (Greece)

Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 41;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties – 36%.

Azerbaijan vs. Ukraine: Match Prediction

Judging by their first meeting with France, Ukraine is unlikely to compete for the top spot in the group. Therefore, the most interesting battles will be against Iceland for second place. However, to finish above Iceland in the group standings, Ukraine must also secure maximum points against the group's underdog, Azerbaijan.

The Caucasians are notably weaker compared to all other teams in Group D. Additionally, Azerbaijan has suffered 14 losses in their last 16 World Cup qualifying matches, defeating only San Marino (with 1 draw). Even at home, Azerbaijan is on a five-match losing streak in this tournament. Ukraine has won 3 of their last 4 away matches in this tournament, losing only once.

My prediction: "Ukraine to Win"