England open their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign under new manager Thomas Tuchel as they host Albania at Wembley Stadium on Friday.

The Three Lions aim for a dominant start, while Albania look to defy the odds and make history by snatching an unlikely result.

🔴 England Eye Strong Start Under Tuchel | Home Win = 1.17💵

England remained unbeaten in 31 consecutive World Cup qualifiers, showcasing their dominance in European campaigns. With Tuchel taking charge for the first time, the Three Lions aim to continue their momentum following a strong UEFA Nations League run.

Their superior head-to-head record against Albania suggests another comfortable win. Having won all six previous meetings without conceding in the last three, England will seek an early lead and control possession against a side struggling for form.

🔵 Albania Face Tough Challenge at Wembley | Away Win = 20.60💵

Albania suffered relegation in the UEFA Nations League after a 2-1 defeat to Ukraine but will look to bounce back in World Cup qualifiers. Despite their recent struggles, Sylvinho's men remain determined to challenge England and improve their record against top-ranked nations.

Albania have never won a competitive match against a top-10 FIFA-ranked nation, losing 17 of 19 attempts. With their only goal against England coming in six previous encounters, Albania must produce a flawless defensive display while capitalizing on limited attacking opportunities to stand a chance against Tuchel’s Three Lions.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰:

England will be without Cole Palmer, who withdrew due to injury, with Morgan Gibbs-White replacing him. Harry Kane leads the line, supported by Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, while Jordan Pickford is set to earn his 74th cap in goal.

Albania’s squad features seven Serie A-based players, but they will miss Lazio's Elseid Hysaj due to injury. Berat Djimsiti anchors the defense while returning strikers Armando Broja and Rey Manaj will be crucial in the attack.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 8.07💵

🏏 England have won all six previous meetings with Albania, scoring 14 goals and conceding just once. | Specials Market: Home & Over 3.5 = 2.44

🏏 Albania have won two (2) and drew one of their last four (4) away games in all competitions beating Ukraine and Georgia and drawing Croatia in this period. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes (GG/NG) = 3.05

As England begins life under Tuchel and Albania seek an upset, Friday’s encounter promises an intriguing battle of tactics and resilience at Wembley.

🔗You can check out the European World Cup Qualifier England vs Albania on MSport.

#WorldCupQualifiers #WorldCup2026 #England #Tuchel #Jude #Kane

Nigeria, still searching for their first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, travel to face Rwanda, a side the Super Eagles haven’t beaten in years, at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday in a crucial Group C encounter.

The Super Eagles, second-bottom in the group, cannot afford another slip-up as they aim to revive their qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Rwanda, joint-top of the standings, look to consolidate their position with a strong home performance.

🔵Rwanda Aiming for a Historic WC Qualification | Home Win = 4.86💵

Rwanda, sitting level on points with South Africa and Benin, are in a strong position to push for their first-ever World Cup appearance. A 1-0 win over Lesotho last June highlighted their resilience.

With back-to-back home fixtures, the Amavubi will be eyeing a strong result against Nigeria, who they are yet to lose to in five games, to maintain their advantage. New head Coach Adel Amrouche hopes to make an immediate impact in his first game in charge.

🔴Nigeria Desperate for First Win in Qualifiers | Away Win = 1.99💵

Nigeria’s campaign has been underwhelming, with three draws and a 2-1 loss to Benin leaving them in a precarious position. Eric Chelle's men must secure maximum points to stay in contention for qualification.

Victor Osimhen returns after missing their previous fixtures, boosting Nigeria’s attack alongside Ademola Lookman. The visitors have never failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups since their debut in 1994 and will be determined to avoid such a fate.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰

Rwanda are without Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Fitina Omborenga, who are absent due to personal reasons. Fiacre Ntwari, with three clean sheets in qualifying, will aim to keep Nigeria’s attackers at bay.

For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen leads the attack after scoring 26 goals for Galatasaray this season. Moses Simon and Lookman are expected to support him in attack, while William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will marshal the defence.

📂Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 2.92💵

⚽Rwanda have not lost to Nigeria in their last five (5) encounters, including a 2-1 win in AFCON qualifying. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes = 3.50

⚽Nigeria are unbeaten in all their last three (3) away matches in all competitions with two draws and a win. | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 1.5 = 1.82

⚽Rwanda have conceded just one goal in qualifying, boasting the best defensive record in Group C. | Main Market: Under 2.5 = 1.65

With Nigeria in dire need of three points and Rwanda pushing for a historic qualification, Friday’s clash is set to be a high-stakes battle in Kigali.

🔗You can check out the African World Cup 2026 Qualifiers game, Rwanda vs Nigeria, here on MSport.

#WCQ #FIFAWorldCup #Qualifiers #2026WorldCup #Nigeria #SuperEagles #Osimhen #Ademola #Iwobi

Denmark, seeking their first win under Brian Riemer, host Portugal in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg at Parken Stadium on Thursday.

The Danes secured second place in their group but are yet to win under their new coach. Meanwhile, Portugal, aiming for a second Nations League title, dominated their group and are favorites to progress on paper at least.

🔴Denmark Seek a Historic Upset at Home| Home Win = 3.44💵

Denmark have been solid at home, losing just once in their last 15 matches, but their record against Portugal is worrying. They have won only three of their 16 meetings against the Selecaos, with the last victory coming in 2011.

With Riemer still searching for his first win, the hosts will need to be disciplined defensively while hoping their attack can outscore a deadly Portuguese attack.

🔵Portugal Target Another Nations League Semis| Away Win = 2.23💵

Portugal topped their group with four wins and two draws, finishing six points clear of their nearest rivals. They head into this game in strong form and boast an impressive record against Denmark.

Despite patchy away form, winning just two of their last six road games, Roberto Martinez’s men have the quality and experience to take control of the tie before the second leg in Lisbon.

🗝️Key Players & Team News📰:

Denmark are without Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Mads Roerslev due to injury, while Kasper Dolberg and Alexander Bah also miss out. Christian Eriksen will be key in midfield, while Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the attack.

For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo is set for his 218th cap, with Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes providing attacking support. Ruben Dias and Diogo Dalot are expected to start in defense, while 17-year-old Geovany Quenda could make his senior debut.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.45💵

⚽Denmark have lost just once in their last 15 matches beating France and drawing England in that time. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes = 2.31

⚽Portugal have beaten Demark in four (4) of their last five (5) encounters. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 2.70

With Denmark aiming for an upset and Portugal looking to continue their dominance, Thursday’s encounter is set to be a fascinating battle.

You can check out the UEFA Nations League game, Denmark vs Portugal, here on MSport.

#UEFA #NationsLeague #UNL #Denmark #Portugal #CR7 #Erikson #Bruno

Croatia will host France at Stadion Poljud in Split on Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie. The 2018 World Cup finalists meet again, with both teams eager to take a crucial step towards the semi-finals.

The winner of this two-legged tie will face either the Netherlands or Spain in the next round. Croatia, aiming for their first major trophy, will seek home advantage, while France, 2021 winners of the competition, look to make another semi-final.

🔴Croatia Seek Home Advantage Against Les Blues | Home Win = 3.73💵

Croatia secured second place in their group with eight points from six matches, despite a slow finish to the campaign. Zlatko Dalic’s side were runners-up in the previous Nations League but have struggled for form, with just two wins in their last five competitive games.

With a solid home record of seven matches without defeat, Croatia will rely on defensive discipline to contain France’s attacking threats. However, they must overcome a poor head-to-head record, having won just one of their last ten encounters against Les Bleus.

🔵France Eye Second Nations League Title | Away Win = 2.20💵

France topped their group with 13 points, finishing ahead of Italy on head-to-head record. Didier Deschamps’ men aim to reclaim the Nations League trophy after their 2020-21 triumph and head into this tie in fine form, winning their last three away matches with an aggregate score of 9-3.

Despite failing to beat Croatia in the previous Nations League edition (D1 L1), France have historically dominated this fixture. They also come off a strong Euro 2024 campaign and remain among Europe’s elite teams due to their plethora of talent.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰

Croatia will be without Luka Sucic, Lovro Majer, and Igor Matanovic due to injuries. However, Luka Modric is set to captain the side in midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic and Petar Sucic. Josko Gvardiol leads the defense, while Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric will be key in attack.

For France, Marcus Thuram misses out due to injury, but Kylian Mbappe returns to lead the attack, potentially alongside Michael Olise, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembele. Adrien Rabiot is likely to start in midfield, with Theo Hernandez competing with Lucas Digne for a spot at left-back.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.47💵

⚽Croatia have lost none of their last seven (7) home games in all competitions, drawing Portugal and Italy during that time. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 1.5 = 2.29

⚽France have won their last three away matches, scoring nine goals in total. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes (GG/NG) = 2.29

⚽The last two meetings between these sides in the Nations League ended with under 2.5 goals (1-1 & 0-1). | Main Market: Under 2.5 = 1.84

With Croatia looking to make the most of their home advantage and France eager to take control of the tie early, this quarter-final clash promises to be an intense battle between two European heavyweights.

🔗You can check out the UEFA Nations League game, Croatia vs France, here on MSport.

#UEFA #NationsLeague #UNL #Croatia #France #Mbappe #Modric #Dembele