Ukraine vs Azerbaijan Prediction & Betting Tips (13 October)

As the World Cup 2026 qualifiers roll into their second round, Ukraine and Azerbaijan find themselves in urgent need of redemption. Both teams suffered opening defeats—Ukraine fell 2-0 to France, while Azerbaijan endured a bruising 5-0 loss to Iceland. The clash at Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku is more than a fixture; it’s a lifeline. For Azerbaijan, still chasing their first-ever World Cup appearance, the pressure is mounting. Their recent form is bleak, winless in their last 11 matches and conceding heavily. Ukraine, meanwhile, seeks to recapture the spirit of 2006, their last successful World Cup campaign, under the guidance of head coach Sergiy Rebrov.

Fernando Santos, Azerbaijan’s newly appointed manager and former Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, has yet to find a winning formula with his current squad. His side has struggled to generate attacking momentum, failing to score in six of their last seven outings. The likely forward pairing of Mahir Emreli and Nariman Akhundzade will need to break through a Ukrainian defense that, while shaky in recent matches, still boasts talent like Illia Zabarnyi and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Azerbaijan’s midfield, led by Emin Mahmudov and Sabuhi Abdullazade, must find a way to control tempo and limit Ukraine’s creative threats.



Ukraine’s lineup is brimming with promise but plagued by inconsistency. Artem Dovbyk remains the focal point in attack, supported by Oleksandr Zubkov and Oleksii Hutsuliak on the flanks. In midfield, Georgiy Sudakov and Ivan Kalyuzhnyi are expected to provide the engine, while Yehor Yarmolyuk anchors the base. Despite their recent defensive lapses—ten goals conceded in their last four matches—Ukraine has shown flashes of attacking prowess, scoring at least twice in three of their last four away games. Rebrov’s challenge lies in tightening the backline without stifling the offensive rhythm.

With both teams desperate for points, expect a tense and tactical battle in Baku. Azerbaijan’s home crowd may offer a psychological edge, but Ukraine’s superior individual quality and historical dominance—most notably a 6-0 win in 2006—tip the scales. Given Azerbaijan’s defensive frailties and Ukraine’s attacking depth, a narrow victory for the visitors seems likely. Our prediction: Ukraine to edge out Azerbaijan with a 2-1 scoreline, reigniting their World Cup hopes while leaving the hosts searching for answers.

• Summary: Ukraine is going head to head with Azerbaijan starting on 13 Oct 2025 at 18:45 UTC at Tarczyński Arena Wrocław stadium, Wroclaw city, Poland. The match is a part of the World Cup Qual. UEFA D .
• Ukraine Feedinco Rating: 6.80
• Azerbaijan Feedinco Rating: 6.53