Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match.
Austria are currently in the hunt for one of the two qualifying spots in Group N for the 2026 World Cup. Following a confident 2:1 win over Romania, the team must now reinforce their position against the group’s underdogs, San Marino. The visitors have a straightforward target: claim victory and, ideally, improve their goal difference.
San Marino
San Marino continue to defy expectations in their own way. The team recently reached a historic milestone by winning their UEFA Nations League group, earning promotion to League C. They began this qualifying campaign with a respectable 0:1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, showing organisation despite their limited technical ability. Across their last 19 fixtures, San Marino have lost 15 times but never by more than four goals.
Austria
Austria go into this match as favourites, despite missing a few key players. The squad will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Schlager and defensive leader David Alaba. Even so, Austria remain strong, as shown in the win over Romania, where both Marcel Sabitzer and Michael Gregoritsch got on the scoresheet. However, over their last 14 games, they have not registered a win by a margin greater than four goals.
San Marino vs Austria Prediction
San Marino are structured and resilient when playing at home and can no longer be considered an easy three points. Austria are clear favourites, but a complete blowout seems unlikely.
