Matchday 9 of the 2026 European World Cup Qualifiers kicks off this Thursday and could already prove decisive.
On the agenda: a crucial clash between France and Ukraine, as well as a thrilling duel between England and Serbia, who could snatch second place in Group K.
Discover our predictions for some of the most exciting fixtures, along with the best football odds to guide your sports betting.
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2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Our Matchday 9 Betting Tips
*All odds are subject to change
France vs Ukraine: France to win and both teams to score – No @ 1.72
France are just one win away from securing their spot at the 2026 World Cup and will be determined to seal the deal at home. Didier Deschamps’ men won the reverse fixture 2–0 without conceding and could well repeat that result. While key attacking players like Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Randal Kolo Muani are absent, the French defence is fully fit and should be solid enough to keep a clean sheet. Although Ukraine have found the net in three of their last five encounters with Les Bleus, Deschamps is expected to prioritise defensive discipline and efficiency in front of goal.
England vs Serbia: Draw at 5.50
Already qualified, England welcome Serbia in a relaxed state of mind. Despite being heavy favourites, the Three Lions could face a motivated Serbian side sitting third in Group K and desperate to close the gap to Albania, who currently hold the second spot. With 10 points, Serbia trail Albania by just one and must get a result here to stay in the race. However, facing Thomas Tuchel’s England at Wembley will be no easy task. A draw would be a solid result for Serbia, and is a realistic outcome given the circumstances.
Moldova vs Italy: Over 3.5 goals @ 1.92
Italy, currently second in Group I, are under pressure from Norway and need a convincing win to keep their hopes of direct qualification alive. Facing bottom-placed Moldova, who have conceded over four goals per game on average during these qualifiers, the Azzurri should dominate from start to finish. Given Italy’s attacking depth and Moldova’s fragile defence, this fixture has all the ingredients for a high-scoring encounter, one heavily in favour of the Italians.
Poland vs Netherlands: Both teams to score – No @ 2.10
This clash between Poland and the Netherlands is shaping up to be a tense tactical battle. Poland need all three points to close in on the Dutch at the top of the group, while the Oranje only require a win to book their ticket to the World Cup. With both sides aware of the stakes, expect a tight and cautious contest, likely with just one team finding the back of the net. Betting on “both teams to score – No” looks like a smart choice in this scenario.
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