Iceland vs Ukraine Match Preview Prediction Team News and Lineups
Exciting World Cup Qualifier: Iceland Hosts Ukraine in Crucial Group D Clash
Iceland Eyes Victory in Group D Showdown
Iceland is eager to regain momentum in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they face Ukraine at home on Friday night. Currently situated second in the group with three points, Iceland trails the leading team, France, by three points. Ukraine, holding a single point from their initial two fixtures, occupies the third position.
Match Preview: Iceland’s Quest for Success
Iceland kick-started their qualification campaign with an impressive 5-0 triumph over Azerbaijan on September 5. Their subsequent match against France saw Andri Gudjohnsen securing a surprise early goal, although France eventually claimed a 2-1 victory. Iceland understands the significance of this match as they aim for a top-two finish in the group, with a win setting the stage for a monumental home encounter with France on October 13.
The team’s recent history includes a successful qualification for the 2018 World Cup and a memorable quarter-final run during Euro 2016. However, they have failed to qualify for the last three major tournaments. Historically, Iceland has faced Ukraine five times, achieving one victory during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Ukraine’s Determination to Secure a Result
Ukraine, known for reaching the quarter-finals in the 2006 World Cup, is keen to end a long absence from the tournament. They opened their 2026 campaign with a 2-0 loss to France, followed by a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan. Currently five points behind group leaders France and two points behind Iceland, Ukraine needs a favorable outcome to sustain their qualification hopes.
Their last competitive victory, a 3-1 win against Belgium, showcases their potential to challenge Iceland in this encounter. Ukraine’s recent performance at the European Championships, including the Euro 2024 playoffs, highlights their capability to compete at the highest levels.
Team News and Potential Lineups
Iceland anticipates fielding a strong lineup, including Daniel Gudjohnsen and Andri Gudjohnsen in the forward positions. Andri Gudjohnsen, who scored against France, is expected to play a crucial role once more. Isak Bergmann Johannesson, with two goals in the qualifiers, is another key player, alongside midfielder Hakon Arnar Haraldsson from Lille.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s head coach, Sergiy Rebrov, may maintain a similar team to that which played against Azerbaijan, though Oleksandr Zinchenko’s absence due to injury is a setback. Heorhiy Sudakov and Oleksandr Zubkov are expected to play pivotal roles in the attack, with Vladyslav Vanat poised to lead the line.
| Iceland Possible Starting Lineup | Ukraine Possible Starting Lineup |
|---|---|
| Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Tomasson; Thorsteinsson, Johannesson, Haraldsson, Anderson; A Gudjohnsen, D Gudjohnsen | Trubin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Mykolenko; Ocheretko, Kaliuzhnyi, Bondarenko; Malinovskyi, Vanat, Sudakov |
Predicted Outcome: Iceland vs. Ukraine
Iceland is likely to take confidence from their strong performance against France, and they are expected to edge past Ukraine in this encounter. While Ukraine has the capability to score, Iceland’s solid form could secure them a crucial 2-1 victory, adding three vital points to their campaign.
