We kick off this week’s international World Cup qualifiers on Friday, followed by Saturday’s match day one fixtures in the European qualifiers, where we’ll provide you with betting suggestions to consider.
Let’s start with the latest outright markets for each group, where standout prices include Sweden at 29/20 in Group B and Romania at 11/4 in Group H. Short-priced favourites that look like certainties are England at 1/6 in Group K. Despite some recent underperformance, Belgium is priced at 1/4 to top Group J, with Wales next best at 33/10.
Click here for the latest Outright Odds in each respective group
FRIDAY 21 MARCH
ENGLAND v ALBANIA – Click here to bet
Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first competitive match as England’s manager on Friday night at Wembley Stadium, where the Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign. Ranked 4th in the world, England enter this fixture in fine form, having topped their Nations League group with 15 points. Their recent dominance has been evident, securing three consecutive wins while conceding just once—including a resounding 5-0 triumph over Ireland. With Harry Kane in stellar form for Bayern Munich, and a formidable track record in qualifiers, England will be eager to begin this campaign in style.
Albania, ranked 65th, will be looking to spring a surprise against the group favourites. The Eagles have made strides in recent years, appearing at their second major tournament during Euro 2024. While their campaign in Germany ended at the group stage, their focus now shifts to earning a historic World Cup berth. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with three defeats in their last five outings, including a 2-1 loss to Ukraine. Facing a well-drilled England side at Wembley, Albania will need to be at their very best to stand any chance of an upset
Group K – (England, Albania, Serbia, Latvia, and Andorra)
Head-to-Head
England have dominated this fixture, winning all six of their previous World Cup qualifying encounters against Albania, conceding just once. The most recent meeting ended in a 5-0 victory for the Three Lions in 2021.
Betting
England 1/5
Draw 13/2
Albania 18/1
Verdict
England’s superior squad depth and impressive record in qualifiers make them overwhelming favourites. With Tuchel keen to mark his debut with a commanding display, expect England to control proceedings from the outset and secure a convincing victory.
Suggested Bet: England Totals – Over 2.5 at 10/11
ROMANIA v BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA – Click here to bet
Romania, ranked 38th in the latest FIFA rankings, begin their World Cup qualifying journey at the Arena Națională in Bucharest, aiming to build on their impressive Nations League campaign. Under the guidance of Mircea Lucescu, the Tricolorii topped their group with a flawless record, winning all six matches and claiming 18 points. Their momentum is undeniable, having secured a dominant 4-1 win over Cyprus in their final UEFA Nations League match. With four wins in their last five home fixtures, Romania will be confident of securing a strong start to their campaign in front of their passionate supporters.
Bosnia & Herzegovina, ranked 74th, will be eager to bounce back after a difficult Nations League campaign, where they finished last in a challenging group featuring Germany and the Netherlands. Despite their struggles, Bosnia possesses quality in attack, with veteran striker Edin Džeko still a key threat. They come into this match off a hard-earned 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, a result that should give them some confidence. However, their form on the road is cause for concern, having suffered nine defeats in their last eleven away matches. If they are to take anything from this encounter, a vastly improved defensive display will be required.
Group H – (Austria, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus, and San Marino)
Head-to-Head
Romania have historically had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of their six meetings with Bosnia. Their most recent clash ended in a commanding 4-1 victory for the Tricolorii in 2022.
Betting
Romania 5/6
Draw 26/10
Bosnia & Herzegovina 7/2
Verdict
Romania’s impressive home form and dominant head-to-head record give them the advantage, but Bosnia’s consistent ability to find the net in World Cup qualifiers—having scored in their last eight away matches—means they could pose a threat. While a Romanian victory seems the most probable outcome, I’ll take a more cautious approach.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Romania/Draw and Yes at 11/10
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SATURDAY 22 MARCH
WALES v KAZAKHSTAN – Click here to bet
Wales, ranked 29th, embark on their World Cup qualifying campaign with high expectations as they welcome Kazakhstan to the Cardiff City Stadium. Under the management of Craig Bellamy, the Dragons have enjoyed a strong run of form, securing promotion to the top tier of the Nations League after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Iceland. Finishing unbeaten in the group stage with 12 points from three wins and three draws, Wales have also proven to be a tough side to beat at home, avoiding defeat in their last nine matches in regulation time when playing in Cardiff. A positive start to qualifying will be the objective here.
Kazakhstan, ranked 110th, arrive with a point to prove following a dismal Nations League campaign. Newly appointed manager Ali Aliyev was brought in to reverse their fortunes, but his tenure began with a disappointing 2-0 friendly defeat to North Korea. The Hawks struggled immensely in their recent outings, failing to score a single goal throughout their Nations League campaign and extending their barren spell to seven consecutive matches without finding the net. They have also lost six games in a row and ten of their last eleven, while their away form is particularly concerning—suffering three straight defeats by three goals or more, failing to register a single goal in those outings.
Group J – (Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein)
Head-to-Head
This marks the first competitive meeting between these two sides.
Betting
Wales 1/5
Draw 6/1
Kazakhstan15/1
Verdict
Wales’ unbeaten home run and Kazakhstan’s dismal form, particularly their goal-scoring struggles, point to a dominant performance from the hosts. The Dragons should have little trouble securing a comfortable victory, with the visitors unlikely to trouble the scoresheet.
Suggested Bet: Wales to win to nil – Yes 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
