European World Cup Qualifiers Betting Preview – Thursday 4 September
Thursday’s World Cup qualifiers throw up three fixtures worth a close look. Spain visit Bulgaria in Sofia, the Netherlands clash with Poland in Rotterdam, and Germany make the trip to Slovakia. I’ve highlighted a betting angle in each that could be worth backing.
World Cup 2026 outright markets have Spain leading the way at 5/1, with France and Brazil both 13/2. England are 7/1, Argentina eased to 8/1, and Germany sit at 10/1. The rest of the field start from 11/1 and bigger.
Click here for the latest World Cup Outright Odds
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
BULGARIA v SPAIN – Click here to bet
Bulgaria will head into their World Cup qualifying opener at the National Stadium Vasil Levski on Thursday, coming off a mixed UEFA Nations League campaign. Ilian Iliev’s side finished second in League C Group 3 behind Northern Ireland, scoring just three goals in the group phase. They earned a promotion play-off spot but fell short against the Republic of Ireland, losing both legs 2–1 and missing out on promotion to League B. Since then, preparations have been patchy, 2-2 friendly draw with Cyprus was followed by a heavy 4-0 defeat to Greece in June. With confidence low and defensive issues still to iron out, Iliev’s side face a daunting task against one of Europe’s elite.
Spain arrive in Sofia looking to start their World Cup qualifying campaign in style after another strong showing in the UEFA Nations League. Under head coach Luis de la Fuente, they topped League A Group 4 with 16 points, then edged the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals and overcame France 5-4 in a thrilling semi-final, before narrowly losing to Portugal on spot-kicks after a 2-2 final. Now drawn in Group E alongside Georgia, Turkey, and Bulgaria, Spain’s consistency and quality underline their status as heavyweights, and De la Fuente will be determined to see his side open their qualifiers with maximum points on Thursday.
Head-to-Head
The sides have met five times in total, with Spain winning four and the other fixture ending in a draw. Their last meeting came in a 2002 friendly at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, which Spain won 1-0. Historically, Spain have dominated this fixture, scoring 23 goals and conceding just two across all encounters.
Betting
Bulgaria 25/1
Draw 8/1
Spain 1/8
.
Verdict
Bulgaria face a tough start at home after a mixed Nations League campaign, and given their lack of threat in the final third, Spain look well placed to dominate. With their depth, quality, and attacking firepower, the visitors should create plenty of chances, and I’m leaning towards them racking up at least three goals on the road.
Suggested Bet: Spain Totals – Over 2.5 at 15/20
NETHERLANDS v POLAND – Click here to bet
The Netherlands welcome Poland to De Kuip in Rotterdam on Thursday, looking to continue their strong start to World Cup qualifying. Ronald Koeman’s side sit second in Group G with six points after back-to-back wins over Finland (2-0) and Malta (8-0), showcasing both attacking ruthlessness and defensive solidity. Notably, Jeremie Frimpong misses out due to a hamstring injury. Even so, with home advantage and momentum behind them, the Netherlands will be confident of claiming maximum points and maintaining their perfect record in the group.
Poland make the trip to Rotterdam after a mixed start to their campaign. They are currently third in Group G with six points, having opened with wins over Lithuania (1-0) and Malta (2-0) but suffering a setback in Finland, losing 2-1. The welcoming return of Robert Lewandowski to the national squad will certainly boost the White and Reds, giving them added firepower and leadership up front. Manager Jan Urban will be looking to steady his side and find ways to trouble the Dutch, who have been almost faultless so far. Poland’s experience and organization will be key if they are to make life difficult for the hosts, but they know this is a tough assignment on the road.
Head-to-Head
The Netherlands have dominated recent encounters with Poland, winning seven of their last eight meetings, with just one ending in a draw. Their most recent clash came in the 2024 European Championship, with the Dutch securing a 2-1 victory.
Betting
Netherlands 1/4
Draw 5/1
Poland 11/1
Verdict
Poland face a tough assignment away to a Dutch side in fine form, and home advantage should play a big role. The Netherlands have kept clean sheets in their opening two matches, but Poland, with Lewandowski back at the helm, represent a far greater attacking threat than their previous opponents. The hosts look sharp and clinical going forward, yet this is the kind of contest where their defence is likely to be tested. I expect the Netherlands to come through, but in what should be an open, entertaining clash, both teams can make their mark on the scoresheet.
Suggested Bet: Result and Both Teams to Score – Netherlands and Yes at 22/10
SLOVAKIA v GERMANY – Click here to bet
Slovakia begin their World Cup qualifying campaign at Tehelné Pole against four-time winners Germany, facing a tough challenge in Group A, which also features Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. They arrive on the back of a solid Nations League, finishing second in League C Group 1 and earning a play-off spot with wins over Estonia and Azerbaijan plus a gritty draw against Sweden. Although a narrow 1–0 aggregate defeat to Slovenia denied them promotion, Francesco Calzona’s side showed resilience and organisation throughout. More recent friendlies have been less encouraging, with defeats to Greece (4–1) and Israel (1–0), but the home crowd will be hoping their team can blend defensive solidity with sharper attacking play as the qualifiers get underway on Thursday.
Germany arrive in Bratislava buoyed by their Nations League exploits, having topped a strong League A Group 3 ahead of the Netherlands, Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina to reach the knockout stages. While defeats to Portugal and France denied them silverware, ultimately finishing fourth overall, Julian Nagelsmann’s side produced flashes of dominance, hitting seven past Bosnia and five against Hungary. Their group-stage return of four wins and two draws underlined their consistency, and crucially, they appear to have rediscovered a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. With Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade in the squad, Germany will look to make an early impact, though the absence of Jamal Musiala will be felt in midfield as they aim to lay down an early marker in Group A.
Head-to-Head
Germany and Slovakia have met 11 times in total, with Germany winning 8 of those encounters and Slovakia claiming 3 victories. Their last meeting came in the Euro 2016 round of 16, where Germany won 3-0.
Betting
Slovakia 11/2
Draw 15/4
Germany 40/85
Verdict
The hosts may have proven tough to break down in the Nations League, but Germany should prevail here. It won’t be easy, but if the visitors can get their heads in front, Slovakia’s desperation could open up more opportunities for this dangerous German side.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals – Germany and Over 1.5 at 7/10
Click here for betting on all of this weekend’s international matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
