The Matchday 10 encounter in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Ukraine and Iceland will take place on November 16 at the Pepsi Arena in Warsaw, Poland. Ukraine vs. Iceland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ukraine
In the previous round, the team played in France, where they suffered a 0-4 defeat against the local national team. Notably, all goals in this match were scored in the second half, and Serhiy Rebrov fielded a second-string team, leaving his key players on the bench as eight players were at risk of suspension. Ukraine is in third place, trailing Iceland only on goal difference. To surpass their opponent in Group D standings, Ukraine needs to win this match.
- In the last 15 World Cup qualifiers, Ukraine has suffered only 3 defeats (5 wins and 7 draws).
- Both teams scored in 11 of Ukraine's last 15 matches in this tournament.
- Ukraine has only 1 win in their last 7 home World Cup qualifiers (4 draws and 2 losses).
Predicted lineup for Ukraine (5-3-2)
Anatoliy Trubin – Bohdan Mykhaylichenko, Illia Zabarnyi, Taras Mikhalyko, Oleksandr Svatok, Oleksandr Karavayev – Yehor Nazaryna, Oleh Ocheretko, Yehor Yarmolyuk – Oleksii Gutsulyak, Roman Yaremchuk.
Forward Artem Dovbyk and midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov are out due to injuries.
Iceland
Arnar Gunnlaugsson's side had not won in three consecutive World Cup qualifiers, losing twice and drawing once. However, they ended this negative streak in the last round by defeating Azerbaijan 2-0 away. Interestingly, both victories in the current group stage came against the Caucasian team (previously winning 5-0). Thanks to better results against Azerbaijan, Iceland is ahead of Ukraine in the standings with one match remaining. To maintain second place, the team needs at least a draw in the upcoming clash.
- At least 3 goals were scored in 5 of Iceland's last 6 matches in this tournament.
- The team has only won 3 of their last 12 World Cup qualifiers (4 draws and 5 losses).
- Iceland has failed to score in the second half in 11 of their last 14 away World Cup qualifiers.
Predicted lineup for Iceland (4-3-3)
Elias Olafsson – Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Victor Palsson, Mikael Ellertsson, Daniel Leo Gretarsson – Johann Gudmundsson, Isak Johannesson, Hakon Haraldsson – Albert Gudmundsson, Kristian Hlynsson, Daniel Gudjohnsen.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 61;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 33%.
Ukraine vs. Iceland: Match Prediction
The key match in Group D will take place in Poland. The two teams will decide the fate of the second position in this group. Ukraine has suffered only two defeats in their last 16 home World Cup qualifiers, and those came against France and Croatia, who are much stronger than Iceland. Ukraine's success has largely been due to their effective finishing, scoring in 11 of their last 13 home qualifiers. However, they have also conceded in their last 7 home games in this tournament.
I expect both teams to score in this match. Ukraine, despite being a high-scoring team, also consistently concedes goals. They have not kept a clean sheet in any match during this qualifying campaign. Meanwhile, Iceland has scored in all their group stage matches so far. In their last 6 World Cup qualifiers, Iceland has only failed to score against the modest Azerbaijan team. Notably, their first encounter in this group ended with a high-scoring 3-5.
My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.
