World qualifying preview: Will 1-2 Pele, Sloth 0-2 Switzerland, Northern Ireland 12/13 Germany, France 21

The 8th round of the 2026 World Cup European qualifying group stage will continue with multiple contests on the second match day. Before the game, football data websites Whoscored and SportsMole also released score predictions for some games.

Whoscored

Northern Ireland 1-3 Germany

With its excellent performance against Slovakia in the last round, Northern Ireland won 2-0 at home and gained important 3 points. However, if they want to go further, they still need to face the German team, which was defeated 1-3 in their first meeting;

After losing to Slovakia, the German team has undoubtedly regained its confidence and form through two consecutive victories. Although Germany's defense may face certain pressure in the away game against Northern Ireland, with its strong offense, the German team is still expected to achieve the final victory!

Wales 1-2 Belgium

Although they lost to England in the friendly match, I believe Wales has put more energy into this life-and-death battle with Belgium. After all, Wales, which is currently two points behind North Macedonia, is still expected to get the possibility of promotion and a place in the play-offs;

Belgium, which tied with North Macedonia and missed the top spot in the group, is bound to go full fire in the game against Wales and establish the top spot in the group as soon as possible. Considering that Belgium scored 17 goals in the first 4 games and also scored 4 goals in the home victory over Wales, the strong offensive end will help the European Red Devils win such a key game.

SportsMole

Sweden 2-1 Kosovo

The Swedish team has not completely lost the possibility of advancing to the play-offs, but the premise is that it must win Kosovo at home.

Although Kosovo performed relatively better than Sweden in this World Cup, considering the huge strength gap between the two sides, I believe it will not be difficult for the Swedish team to find the rhythm of the game and win.

After all, Sweden must be confident in facing an underdog in front of its own fans.

Slovenia 0-2 Switzerland

In the past two away games, Slovenia has been shut out by opponents, and even failed to win against Kosovo. This undoubtedly makes it difficult for their offense to pose a threat to Switzerland.

As the only three teams in the World European Preliminaries that have conceded no goals and averaged 3 goals per game, Switzerland will have a high probability of defeating its opponents in an away game.

Slovakia 3-1 Luxembourg

lost to Northern Ireland, which wiped out Slovakia's advantage in the first two games. But currently they are only ranked third on goal difference, so as long as they can perform normally in the match against Luxembourg, I believe Slovakia is very likely to return to the top two in the group and hold the initiative to advance or participate in the play-offs in their own hands.

North Macedonia 2-0 Kazakhstan

North Macedonia's performance in this World Cup is indeed surprising, especially their stable defense will once again become an important prerequisite for the team's victory. Although Kazakhstan's victory over Liechtenstein in the last round boosted morale, considering that they have no possibility of participating in the play-offs, the lack of fighting spirit may make North Macedonia's victory not too difficult.

Wales 1-2 Belgium

Wales, which has won two home games and scored 3 goals in each game, is bound to pose a great threat to Belgium with its home court advantage. But as Belgium has more stars and more powerful offensive firepower, it should still be the winner with a higher probability of this game.

However, judging from the 4-3 score in the first round, it may be difficult for Belgium to achieve a big victory. Perhaps leading the opponent by one goal in the away game and gaining three points will be a more likely result.

Northern Ireland 1-2 Germany

Although Northern Ireland's home victory over Slovakia will greatly boost the team's morale, meeting the German team at this time is not a good thing-the offensive threat has recovered and the formation has been fixed. The German team is undoubtedly in a relatively best condition.

It may be more difficult to defeat the opponent in an away game, but getting 3 points is not difficult for the German team.

Iceland 1-2 France

Due to the shortage of major generals, the Gallic Roosters in the away game against Iceland did not look threatening enough. But the French team, which is still significantly stronger than its opponents, actually won't be too difficult to win away from home. The 2-1 scoreline between the two sides in the first round may also be the result of this game.

However, the winner will most likely be the French team.