Friday’s World Cup 2026 qualifying predictions, betting odds and tips: Disciplined Dutch can finish the job
Best bets
Netherlands & under 4.5 goals vs Poland
Amazon Prime PPV, 7.45pm Friday
1pt 21-20 Coral, Ladbrokes
Croatia -2.5 on Asian handicap
7.45pm Friday
1pt 43-40 bet365
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Friday’s World Cup qualifying predictions
World Cup qualifying has been smooth sailing for the Netherlands, who can complete their passage to next year’s global gathering by defeating Group G rivals Poland in Warsaw.
The Dutch have taken 16 points from a possible 18 and are approaching their final two fixtures with a three-point lead over the second-placed Poles, who have a vastly inferior goal difference.
Ronald Koeman’s side have the insurance of a home game against Lithuania on matchday eight, but they will be aiming to seal the deal at the first attempt and have travelled to Poland with a strong squad.
The Oranje’s plethora of defensive options include Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida and Mickey van de Ven, and they look immensely powerful in midfield with Frenkie De Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders among the players likely to be involved.
The only area of concern is lack of elite-level quality at the top end of the pitch, although Koeman’s charges seem to be managing just fine with 22 goals scored across six qualifying matches.
Poland have the edge over the Netherlands in the centre-forward position thanks to the ongoing excellence of their 87-goal all-time top scorer, Robert Lewandowski.
But they are nowhere near as strong in other areas of the pitch and have made heavy weather of qualifying, aside from their September trip to the Netherlands when Matty Cash’s 80th-minute goal secured a surprise 1-1 draw.
The Poles were delighted to share the spoils on that occasion, but they need to push for maximum points in the return match and may lack the craft required to open up a disciplined Dutch backline.
Poland have sealed home wins over Lithuania (1-0), Malta (2-0) and Finland (3-1), but they face a stiffer test against the section leaders and may struggle to avoid defeat.
Croats can rule over Faroes
Croatia need a point to clinch top spot in Group L but they should sprint over the winning line with a wide-margin victory at home to the Faroe Islands.
Zlatko Dalic’s side have won each of their home qualifiers by at least three goals and they should sweep aside the third-placed Faroese, who had suffered four successive away losses before a 1-0 September success over Gibraltar.
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