Match Preview - Iceland vs Azerbaijan | FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Preview

Iceland will face Azerbaijan at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavik on September 5, 2025, kicking off the Group G UEFA qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match is crucial for both teams. Iceland vs Azerbaijan European Qualifiers Qualifying round match with kickoff scheduled for 22:45 Baku time

The hosts will look to build on their solid Nations League campaign under Heimir Hallgrímsson, while Azerbaijan aims to cause an upset and record their first victory on Icelandic soil. This preview covers match info, recent form, head-to-head stats, team news, predicted lineups, match prediction, and viewing details.

Iceland welcomes back veteran midfielder Gylfi Sigurðsson from suspension, bringing creativity to their midfield. However, defender Ragnar Sigurðsson remains a doubt due to a minor hamstring issue. Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson might rotate his squad to manage the busy summer schedule.

Azerbaijan will be without veteran striker Vagif Javadov due to injury, while coach Gianni De Biasi is likely to give young forward Ramil Sheydayev his debut. Goalkeeper Kamran Aghayev serves as captain and anchors the defensive line.

Iceland vs Azerbaijan – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying

The battle between icy resilience and emerging ambition unfolds in Reykjavík as Iceland and Azerbaijan lock horns in their first World Cup qualifier of the campaign. Both teams are eager to set the tone early, with Iceland seeking to harness home advantage and Azerbaijan intent on making a statement on foreign turf.

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 18:45 UTC (19:45 CEST)
Venue: Laugardalsvallur, Reykjavík, Iceland
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – UEFA Group G

Iceland vs Azerbaijan Head to Head

Iceland vs Azerbaijan have faced each other twice in competitive matches, with each team claiming one win and no draws. Both sides have scored three goals in total.

Matches Played	Iceland Wins	Azerbaijan Wins	Draws	Goals For Iceland	Goals For Azerbaijan
2	1	1	0	3	3

Iceland – Last 5 Matches

Date	Opponent	Result	Competition
Jun 8, 2025	Finland	W 2-0	Friendly
Mar 25, 2025	Turkey	L 1-3	Nations League
Mar 22, 2025	Czech Republic	D 1-1	Nations League
Nov 17, 2024	Slovenia	W 3-1	Nations League
Nov 14, 2024	Belarus	W 1-0	Nations League

Azerbaijan – Last 5 Matches

Date	Opponent	Result	Competition
Jun 10, 2025	Luxembourg	W 2-1	Friendly
Mar 27, 2025	Sweden	L 0-2	WC Qual
Mar 24, 2025	Malta	W 3-0	WC Qual
Nov 18, 2024	Serbia	L 1-4	Nations League
Nov 15, 2024	Montenegro	D 2-2	Nations League

Team News

Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurðsson returns from suspension, bolstering their creativity in midfield. Defender Ragnar Sigurðsson is doubtful with a minor hamstring issue but expected to be fit. Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson may rotate his squad after a congested summer schedule.

Azerbaijan will be without veteran striker Vagif Javadov due to injury. Coach Gianni De Biasi plans to hand a debut to young forward Ramil Sheydayev. Goalkeeper Kamran Aghayev captains the side and provides valuable leadership at the back.

Current Possible Starting Lineup

Iceland Prediction XI

Olafsson; Palsson, Gretarsson, Ingason, Ellertsson; Thordarsson, Willumsson, Haraldsson; A Gudmundsson, Gudjohnsen, Thorsteinsson

Azerbaijan Prediction XI

Mahammadaliyev; A Huseynov, C Huseynov, Mustafazada, Cafarquliev; Nuriyev, Mahmudov, Ibrahimli; Emreli, Dadashov, Akhundzade

Iceland vs Azerbaijan Match Prediction

Iceland’s strong home form and recent defensive solidity make them favorites. Expect Iceland to dominate possession and create more chances, while Azerbaijan will look to hit on the counter.