Greece vs Belarus Prediction 05.09.2025

Greece vs Belarus Prediction and Betting Tips for the opening round of UEFA Group C World Cup qualifiers on Friday night in Piraeus. Ivan Jovanovic’s men look to build on their hot streak, while Carlos Alos’ Belarus side are eyeing a statement result. For more in-depth previews, check out our World Cup Predictions from XpertStats experts.

• Greece begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying run at Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki on Friday.
• Ivan Jovanovic’s side are chasing a fourth straight victory in all competitions.
• Belarus aim to make history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup.
• Both sides come in with contrasting momentum and injury concerns.

It’s been over a decade since Greece last graced football’s biggest stage, back in Brazil 2014. That absence hurts, and the hunger to return is visible. Jovanovic has found a rhythm with this squad, guiding them to three straight wins by three goals or more. A 4-0 thrashing of Bulgaria in June was the latest reminder of their new attacking edge. Ethniki have claimed nine wins from their last eleven outings, a stretch that says a lot about their consistency. Still, questions remain about their ability to deliver under the bright lights of qualifiers. Can they finally shake off the ghosts of past failures?

Belarus, on the other hand, are chasing history. They’ve never been to a World Cup, and Alos knows how big the mountain is. Their 4-1 win over Kazakhstan in June was encouraging, but the heavy defeat to Russia that followed showed just how fragile their progress is. Even so, the White Wings have lost just twice in the past year, and their away record isn’t bad either, only one defeat in six on the road. That resilience shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. Could they spring a surprise in Athens? It’s a long shot, but football has served up crazier twists.

Team news paints an interesting picture. Greece will miss left-back Dimitris Giannoulis through injury, but Kostas Tsimikas is expected to step up. Up front, Fotis Ioannidis should lead the line, supported by Giorgos Masouras and Dimitris Pelkas. Captain Anastasios Bakasetas will carry the creative burden once again. Belarus, meanwhile, travel without Maxim Kireev, but will hope 18-year-old Trofim Melnichenko can rise to the challenge, aided by Nikita Korzun in attack. The midfield battle could be key, with Valeriy Gromyko and Max Ebong expected to anchor the visitors’ hopes.

On paper, Greece are overwhelming favorites, and the bookmakers agree. Home advantage at the Georgios Karaiskaki, recent form, and their superior squad depth point toward another Ethniki win. Yet Belarus won’t simply roll over. They’re well organized, disciplined, and dangerous if underestimated. The bigger question is whether Greece’s momentum translates into ruthless efficiency. For punters, the expectation leans towards a convincing home victory, but international qualifiers have a way of tearing up the script. That said, the smart money might be on backing a strong Greek showing. After all, when opportunity knocks this loud, can they afford to waste it?

When it comes to betting angles, a handicap market looks tempting, with Greece expected to dominate possession and create more chances. If they start fast and keep the tempo high, the White Wings may find themselves overwhelmed. For those chasing value, exploring a goals market could also pay off, considering Greece’s recent scoring record. Either way, this matchup will set the tone for Group C. One side playing to restore past glory, the other fighting to carve out a new chapter. That’s what makes nights like this worth watching. Bold predictions? Not easy. But that’s the thrill of football.