Iceland vs Ukraine Prediction and Betting Tips for Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier in Reykjavik. Both nations are desperate for points as Group D starts to take shape. In this article, you’ll find expert insights and World Cup Predictions from XpertStats analysts, exploring whether Iceland can maintain their home form against a determined Ukrainian side.

• Iceland aim to bounce back after a narrow loss to France in Group D.
• Ukraine still searching for their first win of the qualifying campaign.
• Both teams have struggled for clean sheets in recent matches.
• Artem Dovbyk expected to return to the starting lineup for Ukraine.

Iceland began their qualifying journey in style with a 5-0 demolition of Azerbaijan, only to fall narrowly 2-1 to France in a game that could’ve gone either way. Andri Gudjohnsen’s early goal had fans dreaming, but Les Bleus’ class eventually showed. Still, there was a fighting spirit in that Icelandic side, one that’s been missing in recent years. Friday’s clash offers a chance to prove their resilience. Can they turn that energy into another crucial home win? That’s the big question.

Manager Arnar Gunnlaugsson looks set to stick with the Gudjohnsen brothers up front, supported by the lively Isak Bergmann Johannesson and Lille’s Hakon Arnar Haraldsson in midfield. The chemistry is there, the hunger is there, but Iceland’s inconsistency remains the real concern. They’ve lost five of their last seven overall, yet when they click, they look unstoppable. The cold Reykjavik air could once again play into their favor, especially if they start fast.

Ukraine, meanwhile, are stuck in a frustrating spell. Two matches, one point, and a serious lack of rhythm. Their 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan was flat, and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s absence due to injury doesn’t help. Sergiy Rebrov’s men do have attacking talent, Sudakov, Zubkov, and possibly Dovbyk leading the line but the balance between creativity and control has been hard to find. Can they rediscover that spark away from home? Hard to say, but it’s make-or-break time for them.

With Iceland sitting second and Ukraine chasing from third, both sides know this fixture could define their campaign. History leans slightly toward the visitors, who beat Iceland 2-1 in the Euro 2024 playoff, but form and confidence are different beasts now. Expect a scrappy, emotional contest, where every second ball matters. For those eyeing World Cup Predictions, this one feels like a toss-up but maybe, just maybe, home advantage will tilt it Iceland’s way.