Iceland vs Azerbaijan Prediction & Betting Tips (5 September)

As Iceland prepares to host Azerbaijan in a pivotal World Championship 2026 qualifier, the stakes are high and the margins thin. Iceland, under the stewardship of Arnar Viðarsson, has been rebuilding its squad with a blend of seasoned warriors and emerging talent. Captain Aron Gunnarsson continues to anchor the midfield with his trademark grit, while Gylfi Sigurðsson’s return to form adds a creative spark that had been missing in recent campaigns. The team’s recent performances have shown resilience, notably in their narrow loss to France and a hard-fought draw against Ukraine, suggesting they’re ready to turn the tide on home soil.

Azerbaijan, led by veteran tactician Fernando Santos, enters the clash with a point to prove. Despite a daunting group that includes France and Iceland, the team has shown flashes of promise. Emin Mahmudov, the captain and joint top scorer, remains their most potent threat from midfield, while the younger generation—led by striker Renat Dadashov—is beginning to find its rhythm. Azerbaijan’s recent fixtures have been a mixed bag, including a spirited 1-1 draw against Ukraine and a frustrating 0-2 defeat to France. Their tactical discipline and counter-attacking style could pose problems for Iceland’s high press.

The match is expected to be a tactical chess game, with Iceland likely to dominate possession and Azerbaijan aiming to strike on the break. Iceland’s home advantage at Laugardalsvöllur, coupled with their physicality and aerial prowess, gives them a slight edge. Viðarsson’s side will look to exploit set pieces, where players like Hörður Magnússon and Sverrir Ingason have been effective. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, will rely on Mahmudov’s vision and Santos’s pragmatic approach to keep the game tight and capitalize on Iceland’s defensive lapses.

In the end, the prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for Iceland. The hosts are expected to strike early, with Sigurðsson pulling the strings and Alfred Finnbogason likely to find the net. Azerbaijan may respond through a moment of brilliance from Mahmudov, but Iceland’s cohesion and experience should see them through. It won’t be a walk in the park, but the “Strákarnir okkar” look poised to take a crucial step forward in their World Championship journey.