European World Cup Qualifiers Betting Preview – Monday 8 September
Monday’s World Cup qualifiers feature two fixtures that stand out as particularly intriguing on the betting front. Italy are set to challenge Israel in Debrecen, Hungary while Greece take on Denmark in Piraeus. Below, I share my thoughts on both matches along with a suggested bet for each.
Before we dive into the previews, let’s take a quick look at the current World Cup 2026 outright odds. Spain lead the market at 5/1, followed by France and Brazil at 13/2. England are priced at 7/1, Argentina at 8/1, while Germany and Portugal both sit at 11/1. The remainder of the field starts from 20/1 and upwards.
Click here for the latest World Cup Outright Odds
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ISRAEL v ITALY – Click here to bet
Israel welcome Italy to the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen on Monday in a match that could have major implications for Group I. The hosts sit second in the standings on nine points from four matches, having seen off Moldova 4-0 away from home on Friday. That win helped them maintain a gap over the teams below in the group, with 11 goals scored and six conceded across their opening qualifiers. Israel have lost just once in their last six competitive matches (W4 D1 L1), though their sole home defeat in qualifying came against Norway, underscoring the importance of consistency. Oscar Gloukh and Manor Solomon continue to drive the attack, with Tai Baribo offering a physical presence up front.
Italy arrive in third with six points from three games, holding a crucial game in hand over both Israel and Norway. Their only defeat came against the group leaders, but they bounced back with a clinical 2-0 win over Moldova, followed by a 5-0 demolition of Estonia on Friday. Mateo Retegui scored twice and assisted another, while Giacomo Raspadori contributed to two goals overall in their most recent game. While Italy have scored seven and conceded just three thus far, their away record, particularly in World Cup qualifiers, has been poor. Carrying over from the previous campaign, they have failed to find the net in their last three World Cup qualifying matches on the road, a concern for the Azzurri ahead of this clash.
Head-to-Head
Italy have never lost to Israel, winning each of the last four encounters, including two meetings in the 2024 Nations League where both teams found the net, a 2-1 victory in Budapest followed by a 3-1 win in Udine.
Betting
Israel 13/2
Draw 15/4
Italy 4/9
Verdict
This is a high-stakes fixture for both sides. Israel will look to make the most of home advantage, while Italy, buoyed by their dominant display against Estonia, bring experience and squad depth. Despite recent struggles to score on the road, the Azzurri have history on their side in this fixture and possess enough quality to threaten on the counter. Expect both teams to get on the scoresheet in this one.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 and Yes at 13/10
GREECE v DENMARK – Click here to bet
Greece head into Monday’s clash at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, looking to follow up their eye-catching opening win in World Cup qualifying. On Friday, Ivan Jovanović’s side dismantled Belarus 5-1, recording one of their biggest qualifying victories ever and extending a remarkable streak of ten wins in their last twelve internationals. That result puts Greece top of Group C with three points after the first round, and confidence will certainly be at a high in their camp ahead of a Danish side that struggled to make an impact in their opener.
Denmark were held to a goalless draw at home by Scotland in their qualifying opener and currently sit second in Group C with just one point, a result that extends their lacklustre streak to just one win in their last seven competitive fixtures. Away from Copenhagen, the Red and Whites have rarely found success, with their last victory on foreign soil coming almost two years ago against San Marino. The absence of Christian Eriksen was felt in their opener, leaving the side lacking a cutting spark in midfield, something they will need to improve if they are to get on the scoresheet this Monday in Piraeus.
Head-to-Head
Greece have claimed just one win in the last ten meetings with Denmark, while the Danes have remained unbeaten in four of the last five competitive encounters, recording three wins and a draw. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in an international friendly back in 2009.
Betting
Greece 14/10
Draw 9/4
Denmark 85/40
Verdict
Greece carry momentum from their impressive attacking display on Friday and will look to assert themselves early. Denmark have quality in their ranks, but recent struggles away from home and a lack of consistent form may limit their threat. Expect Greece to create multiple chances, with Denmark needing to rely on their finishing and resilience if they are to salvage points.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 10/11
Click here for betting on all of this week’s international matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
