Finland hosts Lithuania at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier, with Finland vs Lithuania, both Nordic neighbors desperate for points to keep their qualification dreams alive.
The Huuhkajat enter this FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G encounter sitting third with 7 points from five matches, just four points behind group leaders the Netherlands, while Lithuania languish in fourth place with only 3 points from five fixtures, having managed just three draws and two defeats so far.
Finland’s campaign has been a tale of resilience and missed opportunities, highlighted by their dramatic 2-1 victory over Poland at home in June and a creditable 2-2 draw with Lithuania in the reverse fixture back in March.
Head coach Jacob Friis has overseen an encouraging run that includes keeping pace with European heavyweights Netherlands and Poland, though recent defeats to the Dutch (0-2) and a narrow loss to Poland (1-2 away) have left them needing maximum points from their remaining matches.
Lithuania arrive in Helsinki having shown glimpses of quality despite their position at the bottom of the group standings.
Their most impressive display came in the stunning 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands in September, where they twice came from behind to score through Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis before eventually succumbing to Memphis Depay’s record-breaking double.
That performance against the world’s third-ranked team demonstrated Lithuania’s ability to compete at the highest level, giving coach Edgaras Jankauskas genuine optimism ahead of this must-win fixture.
Finland vs Lithuania Match Preview – Team News, Recent Form, H2H & Prediction
This match is a pivotal moment for both teams’ World Cup aspirations, with Finland needing a win to stay in contention for the play-offs, while Lithuania must secure a positive result to avoid being officially eliminated from the competition.
- Teams: Finland vs Lithuania
- Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2025
- Time: 18:00 CET (17:00 UK time)
- Venue: Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Europe Qualifiers – UEFA Group G
Recent Form of Finland and Lithuania
Finland has shown strong competitiveness throughout the campaign, earning seven points from five matches, including impressive wins against Poland and solid performances against group favorites the Netherlands. Their attacking power is spearheaded by Joel Pohjanpalo and Benjamin Källman, who have together scored four goals in the qualifiers.
Lithuania’s form has been inconsistent but shows signs of improvement, particularly in its defensive resilience. Gvidas Gineitis has emerged as their standout performer with three goals, while the team’s ability to score against top opposition was demonstrated in their narrow defeat to the Netherlands.
- Finland: L-W-L-D-W (Recent: Loss vs Netherlands 0-2, Win vs Poland 2-1, Loss vs Poland 1-2, Draw vs Lithuania 2-2, Win vs Malta 2-0)
- Lithuania: L-D-L-D-L (Recent: Loss vs Netherlands 2-3, Draw vs Malta 1-1, Loss vs Poland 0-1, Draw vs Finland 2-2, Draw vs Malta 0-0)
Current FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Group G Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drew | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Netherlands | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 3 | +11 | 10 |
| 2nd | Poland | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 10 |
| 3rd | Finland | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 7 |
| 4th | Lithuania | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 3 |
| 5th | Malta | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 2 |
Finland vs Lithuania Head-to-Head Record
The teams have met just twice in recent history, both in the 2025 World Cup qualifying. Their March encounter ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw in Vilnius, with both sides showing attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the return fixture.
| Statistic | Finland | Lithuania | Draws | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recent Meetings | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Goals Scored | 2 | 2 | – | Last Meeting |
Team News
- Finland: Palermo goalkeeper Jesse Joronen and striker Joel Pohjanpalo have been called up and are expected to feature prominently. Coach Jacob Friis has a fully fit squad at his disposal, with key players Glen Kamara and Robin Lod providing midfield creativity. Rasmus Schüller returns from suspension.
- Lithuania: Head coach Edgaras Jankauskas has named his squad with captain Justas Lasickas leading the defensive line. Gvidas Gineitis continues as the team’s primary attacking threat, supported by striker Armandas Kučys. Defender Edvinas Girdvainis is available after his impressive header against the Netherlands.
Finland vs Lithuania Possible Starting Lineups
Finland Predected XI (4-3-3):
Joronen; Alho, Hämäläinen, Ivanov, Uronen; Schüller, Kamara, Lod; Antman, Pohjanpalo, Källman.
Lithuania Predected XI (4-2-3-1):
Šetkus; Lasickas, Girdvainis, Beneta, Mikoliunas; Dolznikov, Slivka; Novikovas, Gineitis, Verbickas; Kučys.
Key Battles
- Joel Pohjanpalo vs Edvinas Girdvainis: Finland’s leading striker against Lithuania’s aerial threat at center-back
- Glen Kamara vs Gvidas Gineitis: Midfield creativity and control versus Lithuania’s main goal threat
Tactical Overview
- Finland: Aggressive pressing, quick transitions through wide areas, set-piece threats from Pohjanpalo and Källman
- Lithuania: Defensive compactness, counter-attacking through Gineitis, physical presence in aerial duels
Finland vs Lithuania Prediction
Finland’s home advantage and superior squad depth should prove decisive against a Lithuania side that has struggled for victories throughout the campaign. However, Lithuania’s recent improvements and ability to compete with stronger opponents suggest this won’t be straightforward.
Predicted Score: Finland 2-1 Lithuania
How to Watch Finland vs Lithuania
- Finland: MTV3, C More
- Lithuania: LRT, TV3 Lithuania
- International: Check local UEFA broadcast partners
- Streaming: Available on respective national broadcaster streaming platforms