Both Iceland and Ukraine could be playing to finish as the best runner-up in Group D of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying as they prepare to face off against each other on Friday night. Indeed, they share the group with the second-best nation in the world in France, according to the official FIFA World Rankings.
Iceland have the upper hand so far, albeit after just two rounds of fixtures, as they currently sit in second place with three points in total accumulated. Ukraine only have the solitary point to their name, but possess the firepower that could really hurt their opponents.
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Iceland vs Ukraine prediction: Both sides to shake hands on a draw?
Key stats
- Iceland have lost five of their last seven games in total in all competitions.
- Ukraine have won just once in five matches across all competitions.
- Ukraine have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their previous nine fixtures.
Correct score prediction: Iceland 1-1 Ukraine
With both teams struggling for form heading into this clash, we can see them potentially shaking hands on a point each. The previous meetings have traditionally not produced too many goals, so we are not expecting that pattern to change here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ukraine favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 15/8 (2.88) – 34.8%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Ukraine have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim what would feel like a crucial three points on their travels. A draw and an Iceland victory on home soil can also be backed at over 30% though.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page to engage with more of our predictions for the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: Mixed bag
The previous five H2Hs have produced a real mixed bag in terms of results. Indeed, Ukraine have won twice, Iceland once and there have also been two draws, which suggests that this is a fixture that is historically a close one to call.
Euro 2024 Qualifying 26/03/24
Ukraine
Iceland
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/17
Iceland
Ukraine
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/16
Ukraine
Iceland
Iceland preview: No fresh concerns
Iceland have reported no fresh concerns since naming their squad for this international break. Thus, the hosts are expected to name a strong starting XI for this one.
Predicted lineup: Olafsson (GK); Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Tomasson; Thorsteinsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson, Anderson, A Gudjohnsen & D Gudjohnsen
Last five results:
- France 2-1 Iceland
- Iceland 5-0 Azerbaijan
- Northern Ireland 1-0 Iceland
- Scotland 1-3 Iceland
- Iceland 1-3 Kosovo
Ukraine preview: Zinchenko injured
Oleksandr Zinchenko is Ukraine's main absentee through injury. Star striker Artem Dovbyk could come back into the starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Trubin (GK); Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviiekenko, Mykolenko; Ocheretko, Kaliuzhnyi, Bondarenko; Malinovskyi, Dovbyk & Sudakov
Last five results:
- Azerbaijan 1-1 Ukraine
- Ukraine 0-2 France
- New Zealand 1-2 Ukraine
- Canada 4-2 Ukraine
- Belgium 3-0 Ukraine
Player to watch: Artem Dovbyk
Having not started in Ukraine's last qualifier against Azerbaijan, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Artem Dovbyk could be thrown into the starting XI. The Roma striker can be deadly, and boasts 11 senior goals for his country so far.