Iceland vs Ukraine Preview
It’s payback time in Reykjavik! Iceland welcome Ukraine for a massive World Cup qualifier on Friday night, and the home side will be out to settle an old score. Their last meeting ended in heartbreak for the Icelanders, but with a packed Laugardalsvöllur behind them, the “Our Boys” will fancy their chances of turning the tables this time.
🔥 Form Guide
Iceland are no pushovers at home — they’ve won four of their last eight matches in Reykjavik and lost just two. That includes a thumping 5-0 win over Azerbaijan to kick off their qualifying run in style.
Even in their 2-1 loss to France last month, they showed real fight and quality, making life tough for the world-class French side. There’s a new energy about this team under Arnar Gunnlaugsson — still dangerous from set pieces but now braver in attack, willing to keep the ball and carve out chances.
Ukraine, meanwhile, are having a tough time on the road. They’ve failed to win four of their last five away games, losing two of them. Their 2-0 defeat to France recently showed how much they miss their key creative players.
⚔️ Head-to-Head
The last time these two met, Ukraine edged a 2-1 win in Wroclaw during the Euro 2024 play-offs. Iceland actually went ahead through an absolute screamer from Albert Gudmundsson, but they couldn’t hold on as Ukraine hit back.
This time, with home advantage and a fired-up crowd, Iceland will feel this is their shot at revenge.
🏥 Team News
Good news for Iceland — they’ve got a full squad to choose from and some exciting attacking options ready to cause problems.
Ukraine, on the other hand, are missing two big names: Mykhailo Mudryk and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Both were crucial in the last meeting, so their absence could really hurt the visitors’ creativity and pace.
🔮 Prediction
It’s shaping up to be a tight one, but Iceland’s home record and Ukraine’s struggles away make the hosts a tempting pick. With the crowd roaring them on, Iceland could just edge it this time.
Prediction: Iceland 2–1 Ukraine
🌟 Players to Watch
Albert Gudmundsson (Iceland) – The Genoa attacker has been in red-hot form and loves the big stage. His technique and eye for goal make him Iceland’s main threat.
Ruslan Malinovskyi (Ukraine) – Without Mudryk and Zinchenko, much will rest on his creativity and long-range shooting.
💰 Betting Tips
Iceland Draw No Bet – Safer play given their strong home form.
Both Teams to Score – Likely, as both sides prefer attacking football.
Over 2.5 Goals – Recent meetings have been open, and this one could follow suit.
🧊 Wrap Up
Iceland have every reason to believe they can get revenge on Ukraine this time around. With a lively crowd, solid recent home form, and the visitors missing key stars, the odds look good for another big Icelandic night under the Reykjavik lights.