European World Cup Qualifiers Betting Preview – Sunday 7 September
Sunday brings another round of intriguing World Cup qualifiers, with three fixtures that could shape the early dynamics of their groups. Germany welcome Northern Ireland to Cologne, Poland host Finland in Chorzów, and Spain face Turkey in Konya. Each clash promises its own drama, with betting opportunities clearly emerging from the matchups.
In the race for World Cup 2026 honours, the outright markets remain competitive. Spain sit atop at 5/1, with France and Brazil both priced at 13/2. England are 7/1, Argentina 8/1, while Germany and Portugal are both 11/1. The rest of the field starts at 20/1 and beyond.
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GERMANY v NORTHERN IRELAND – Click here to bet
Germany return to action on Sunday at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, under pressure to respond after a shock 2-0 defeat away to Slovakia in their Group A opener. Goals from David Hancko and David Strelec condemned Julian Nagelsmann’s side to their first-ever away loss in World Cup qualifying, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the group without a point. It was also a third straight competitive defeat, following Nations League losses to Portugal and France, and serious questions have been raised about their attitude and defensive resilience. With qualification allowing only the group winner direct passage to the World Cup, Germany already find themselves in must-win territory.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, make the trip to Cologne full of confidence after a 3-1 victory away to Luxembourg on Thursday. Jamie Reid, Shea Charles and Justin Devenny were all on target, with the latter two notching their first senior international goals. The result gave Michael O’Neill’s side their first competitive away win in more than two years and, crucially, put them top of Group A after the opening round of fixtures. With momentum on their side and nothing to lose, they will be eager to make life uncomfortable for a German team still searching for fluency.
Head-to-Head
Germany have dominated this fixture historically, winning their last nine meetings against Northern Ireland. Their most recent encounters came in Euro 2020 qualifying, where Germany claimed a 2-0 win in Belfast and followed it up with a 6-1 victory in Frankfurt. Northern Ireland’s last win over Die Mannschaft dates back to 1983.
Betting
Germany 1/7
Draw 8/1
Northern Ireland 20/1
Verdict
This is already a pivotal clash in Group A. Germany will be looking to respond at home after their opener, and anything less than a clinical performance could leave them exposed. With goal difference potentially coming into play later on, tightening up at the back will be just as important as scoring upfront. Backing Germany to win to nil looks the most sensible play here
Suggested Bet: Germany To Win to Nil – Yes at 13/20
POLAND v FINLAND – Click here to bet
Poland return to Stadion Śląski on Sunday for a crunch Group G World Cup qualifier against Finland. Jan Urban’s side come in buoyed by a gritty 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands on Thursday, where Matty Cash’s stunning late strike earned them a valuable point in Rotterdam. That result leaves Poland level at the top of the group on seven points (W2 D1 L1), and with home advantage here, they’ll see this as a golden opportunity to strengthen their qualification push. Robert Lewandowski has yet to hit full stride in this campaign, but his leadership and presence remain vital, while Piotr Zieliński’s creativity in midfield will again be key.
Finland arrive in Chorzów after sitting out the midweek qualifiers, instead playing a friendly in Oslo where they went down 1-0 to Norway courtesy of an Erling Haaland penalty. Despite that setback, the Finns remain very much in the picture in Group G, also on seven points (W2 D1 L1). They’ve already shown their pedigree with a 2-1 victory over Poland earlier in the campaign, but Jacob Friis’ side will know that repeating the trick away from home will be a much sterner challenge. Their defensive organisation has long been their backbone, though questions remain over their attacking output, particularly against the group’s stronger opponents.
Head-to-Head
Finland edged out a 2-1 win against Poland earlier in the World Cup qualifying campaign in June, but the hosts will take confidence from their last two home encounters against Finland, albeit friendlies, where they comfortably won 5-1 and 5-0, respectively.
Betting
Poland 5/8
Draw 29/10
Finland 5/1
Verdict
With three teams tied on seven points, this fixture could play a crucial role in shaping Group G. Poland were impressive in spells against the Netherlands, and with the home crowd behind them, they should fancy their chances of turning pressure into goals. Finland are well-drilled and tough to break down, but their lack of firepower, especially on the road, could prove costly. Poland look the likelier winners, though victory won’t come easily.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Poland at 5/8
TURKEY v SPAIN – Click here to bet
Turkey welcome Spain to the Konya Büyükşehir Belediye Stadyumu on Sunday in a pivotal Group E World Cup qualifier. The Turks come into the match second in the group with three points, following a dramatic 3‑2 away win over Georgia on Thursday. Goals from Mert Müldür and a brace from Kerem Aktürkoğlu gave them a strong start, while goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made a crucial stoppage-time save to preserve the win despite Barış Alper Yılmaz receiving a late red card. Home advantage will be key as Turkey look to make their mark against the reigning European champions.
Spain make the trip to Konya top of Group E, following a comprehensive 3-0 victory away to Bulgaria. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino highlighted Spain’s attacking potency, while a clean sheet underlined their defensive stability. Manager Luis de la Fuente will be buoyed by this dominant performance, though the early exit of Lamine Yamal due to back pain is a minor concern; he is, however, expected to feature against Turkey on Sunday. The Spaniards will be aiming to maintain their perfect start and consolidate top spot in the group this weekend.
Head-to-Head
Spain have won the last three matches against Turkey, including a 3-0 triumph in their most recent encounter at the 2016 European Championship. Their previous meeting in Turkey came in 2009, when Spain secured maximum points with a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in Istanbul.
Betting
Turkey 9/2
Draw 7/2
Spain 4/7
Verdict
Spain are odds-on favourites, and rightfully so, riding high on confidence after their commanding opener. Turkey will certainly try to compete, but Spain should have too much quality and control in possession, which could lead to frustration for the hosts. I fancy the visitors to walk away with all three points, making the outright win appealing value in my books.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Spain at 4/7
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
