Azerbaijan vs Iceland, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Azerbaijan vs Iceland Match Prediction & Analysis

In Group D, Azerbaijan host Iceland at the Palms Sports Arena in Baku on November 13 at 10:30 PM IST. With the home side already out of the playoff picture, there’s little more than pride at stake for them. 

Iceland, however, still have everything to play for and will view this as a must-win fixture to stay alive in the race. Their confidence will no doubt be boosted by what happened in September, when they absolutely dismantled Azerbaijan 5–0.

Current Standings: Azerbaijan sit rooted to the bottom of Group D with just a single point from four games, while Iceland hold the spot above them on four points — still within reach of the playoff chase.

Head-to-head Record: The sides have met only twice in competitive action, with Iceland holding the slight advantage thanks to one win and a draw.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Azerbaijan Preview

Azerbaijan’s torrid run in the European qualifiers is just two games from the finish line, and like any side stuck at the bottom, Aykhan Abbasov’s men will simply hope to bow out with some dignity. But that’s easier said than done when the final hurdles are Iceland and France—teams that swept them aside 5-0 and 3-0 earlier in the campaign.

Across the four games, the story has been painfully clear: they leaked goals at one end and offered almost nothing at the other, with just two goals to show—one an own goal, the other a penalty. With form and fixtures stacked against them, all Azerbaijan can realistically cling to is the hope of producing one solid defensive display before the curtain falls.

Azerbaijan may lack big-name stars, but they do have one reliable leader in Emin Makmudov. At 33, the veteran midfielder remains the national team’s all-time top scorer and, fittingly, the only player to find the net for them in this campaign. If anyone can drag them forward, even in a tough spell, it’s Makmudov.

Azerbaijan  Probable Starting Lineup:  Mahammadaliyev (GK); A Huseynov, C Huseynov, Mustafazada, Cafarquliev; Nuriyev, Mahmudov, Ibrahimli; Emreli, Dadashov, Akhundzade

Iceland Preview

After losing 5-3 to Ukraine in one of the earlier games, Iceland’s campaign looked all but over—until a late surge before the last international break reignited their hopes. A gritty draw against France, sealed by Kristian Hlynsson’s equaliser has pushed them back into the playoff conversation. Now, the equation is simple: beat Azerbaijan again, then Ukraine. And given they boast the group’s most potent attack, the Icelanders will back themselves to clear the first hurdle on Thursday. 

Albert Guðmundsson is the standout to watch for Iceland, with the Fiorentina playmaker lighting up the qualifiers. With three goals and two assists—more than anyone else in the squad—he’s been their driving force in the final third and will be central to their hopes again.

Iceland Probable XI - Olafsson (GK); Palsson, Gretarsson, Ingason, Ellertsson; Thordarsson, Willumsson, Haraldsson; A Gudmundsson, Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson

AZERBAIJAN vs ICELAND
Winning Prediction

For all of Iceland’s attacking flair, their shaky defending does offer Azerbaijan a sliver of hope. But one goal won’t be enough to derail a side whose approach is clear: outscore whoever stands in front of them. With the firepower they carry, Iceland look well equipped to edge this one even if they concede. So, we’re backing the visitors to get the job done. 

Iceland to Win (2-1)

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