Serbia vs Latvia Prediction & Betting Tips (16 November)

Serbia’s journey through the World Cup 2026 qualifiers has been turbulent but still promising, with recent headlines dominated by their clash against England in November. Despite a spirited performance, Serbia fell 2-0 at Wembley, with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze finding the net for the hosts. That defeat left Serbia still battling for a playoff spot, but their resilience has been evident in other fixtures. Just days earlier, they secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Latvia in Leskovac, where Aleksandar Mitrović and Dušan Vlahović once again showcased their attacking prowess. The Serbian squad, under Dragan Stojković, has leaned heavily on its experienced forwards, with Mitrović continuing to be the top scorer in the campaign. The team’s form has been inconsistent, but their ability to grind out results against mid-tier opposition keeps them in contention for a place in the finals.

Latvia, on the other hand, has endured a difficult qualifying campaign, struggling to find consistency in both attack and defense. Their most recent matches have highlighted the gulf in quality between them and the stronger nations in Group K. In October, Latvia suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against England, a result that underscored their defensive frailties and lack of cutting edge in the final third. They did manage to pick up a narrow 1-0 win against Andorra earlier in the campaign, but defeats to Serbia and Albania have left them languishing near the bottom of the table. Players like Vladislavs Gutkovskis and Andrejs Ciganiks have tried to inspire the side, but the lack of depth and creativity has been a recurring issue. Latvia’s campaign has been more about gaining experience and building for the future rather than realistically challenging for qualification.

The head-to-head record between Serbia and Latvia in recent months has tilted firmly in Serbia’s favor. In September, Serbia edged out Latvia 1-0 in Riga, a match that highlighted their ability to stay composed under pressure and capitalize on limited chances. The November rematch in Leskovac was more decisive, with Serbia winning 2-1 and demonstrating their attacking depth. These encounters have shown that while Latvia can occasionally frustrate stronger opponents, they often lack the stamina and tactical discipline to sustain resistance over ninety minutes. Serbia’s midfield, led by Filip Kostić and Andrija Živković, has been instrumental in controlling the tempo, while their defense has managed to hold firm against less threatening attacks. Latvia’s inability to convert possession into meaningful opportunities has been their undoing, and against Serbia’s physicality and technical superiority, they have consistently come up short.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Serbia vs Latvia clash in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the momentum and recent form clearly favor Serbia. With Mitrović and Vlahović in strong scoring touch and Serbia’s midfield providing steady support, the hosts are expected to dominate proceedings. Latvia’s struggles against top-tier opposition, combined with their lack of defensive organization, make it difficult to envision them mounting a serious challenge. Serbia’s home advantage and superior squad depth should ensure a comfortable victory. The prediction for this match is a 3-0 scoreline in favor of Serbia, a result that would underline their attacking strength and defensive solidity while further exposing Latvia’s limitations on the international stage.