The Matchday 7 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between Finland and Lithuania will take place on October 9 at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. Finland vs. Lithuania: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Finland
Jakob Friis's side has worsened their chances of reaching the World Cup finals. In the last round, the team visited Poland and suffered a 1-3 defeat. As a result, Finland is now third, trailing Poland, who are in second place, by 3 points. They are also 3 points behind the leading Netherlands, who have a game in hand.
- At least two goals have been scored in 9 of Finland's last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
- In their last 12 home European World Cup qualifiers, the team has won only 3 times (3 draws and 6 losses).
- Finland has conceded two goals in 5 of their last 7 home World Cup qualifying matches.
Predicted lineup for Finland (5-3-2)
Jesse Joronen – Jere Uronen, Nikolai Alho, Matti Peltola, Miro Tenho, Ville Koski – Kaan Kairinen, Robin Lod, Adam Marhiev – Joel Pohjanpalo, Oliver Antman.
Lithuania
The Baltic team has yet to secure a victory in the current qualifying cycle. In September, Edgaras Jankauskas's side played two home matches, collecting only 1 point. They first drew with Malta (1-1) and then lost to the Netherlands (2-3). Consequently, the team is in 4th place in Group G, 7 points behind the second spot. A loss in this match would eliminate Lithuania from even a mathematical chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
- Lithuania's winless streak in World Cup qualifiers stands at 7 matches – 3 draws and 4 losses.
- The team has failed to win in their last 14 away matches in this tournament (4 draws and 10 losses).
- Lithuania has not scored in their last 6 away World Cup qualifying matches.
Predicted lineup for Lithuania (5-4-1)
Edvinas Gertmonas – Vilius Armalas, Justas Lasickas, Rokas Lekitas, Edvinas Girdvainis, Klaudijus Upstas – Artur Dolzhnikov, Gvidas Gineitis, Gratas Sirgedas, Domantas Antanavicius – Gytis Paulauskas.
Referee
Stéphanie Frappart (France)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2023–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 30%.
Match Prediction: Finland vs. Lithuania
The Finns need to win the upcoming match. Dropping points against one of the group's underdogs would hinder their chances of competing for one of the top two spots. As shown in their previous home match against Poland, Finland is capable of challenging for at least the second place in the group. They are much stronger at home than away.
Lithuania was not taken seriously even before the tournament began. No surprises have come from the team, and even if they win their remaining three matches, they are unlikely to secure even second place. The team struggles to beat even modest Malta. Additionally, the Baltic side has performed poorly on the road, failing to win in 14 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches. Over the last 9 years in this tournament, Lithuania has scored only 1 goal in 10 away games.
My prediction: Finland to win with a clean sheet
