On the chilly November evening of the 13th, Group D action in the FIFA World Cup UEFA Qualification delivers a pivotal showdown as Azerbaijan face Iceland at Brann Stadion in Bergen. Both sides will be desperate to revive their fortunes during this qualification run—Azerbaijan, still searching for their first group win, and Iceland, battling inconsistency yet showing flashes of attacking prowess. With both teams enduring a patchy spell, this encounter presents a fascinating tactical battle to watch, particularly as the group’s pecking order could shift considerably based on the night’s result.
Keep your eyes firmly on Iceland’s Albert Gudmundsson, a forward whose movement and creativity often spark openings, while Azerbaijan’s Emin Makhmudov is tasked with marshalling midfield, aiming to disrupt Iceland’s rhythm and spark much-needed transitions for his side.
Let’s not gloss over one glaring stat: when these two last met, Iceland steamrolled with a 5-0 triumph, marking Azerbaijan’s heaviest defeat of the campaign.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FIFA World Cup UEFA Qualification 2026, Group D |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 13.11.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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Azerbaijan vs Iceland prediction
Given Azerbaijan’s ongoing struggles—winless in eight matches this year and languishing at the bottom of Group D—and Iceland’s volatility but clear edge in attacking firepower, the likelihood tilts heavily in Iceland’s favour. Iceland’s 5-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan earlier in the group was no fluke: their high press and ruthlessness in the final third have carved apart even deeper defensive lines.
Azerbaijan’s struggles stem from a lack of precision both in attack and defence. Averaging just under eight shots per game and managing a meagre two goals in four qualifiers, their ability to threaten remains marginal. Defensively, an average of seven fouls per group game and poor pass accuracy (last five matches: just 324 passes at 49 percent!) mean lost possession against a side like Iceland could be costly.
Iceland are not without flaws—they commit 16 fouls per game, risking set-piece exposure and cards—but their transition from defence to attack is rapid, hunting for numbers in the opposition’s half while conceding little space behind. With both sides’ discipline in question (each averaged a yellow card per match recently), expect a scrappy contest, yet Iceland’s aforementioned proficiency up front is decisive.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Iceland -1 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Under 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Azerbaijan: Their most recent outing, a 1-2 home defeat to Ukraine, typifies their woes—brief resistance but inadequate going forward. Azerbaijan managed just eight shots, with possession fragmented by misplaced passes and struggles to progress beyond midfield. The pressure tells: a run of lllldllldlldll shows a squad yearning for belief but lacking the cutting edge to impact games. Bahlul Mustafazade and Elvin Dzhafarquliyev have tried to steady things at the back, yet the side leaks goals at a concerning rate.
Iceland: Coming off a spirited 2-2 draw against group leaders France, Iceland demonstrated a much better command of momentum. Their attacks were incisive, as two goals against the World Cup holders illustrate. Yet, there are defensive blemishes, as the 3-5 home defeat to Ukraine highlighted. Still, the 5-0 win away to Azerbaijan sits fresh in the memory, showcasing Iceland’s capability when afforded time and space. Victor Pálsson in defence and Gudmundsson up front remain critical to their structure.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Azerbaijan | Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 4 | 13 |
| Free kicks | 11 | 15 |
| Corner kicks | 3 | 4 |
| Total fouls | 10 | 14 |
| Interceptions | 11 | 17 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
🚨Read our full Azerbaijan vs Iceland stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Iceland the favourite
- Moneyline Azerbaijan 6.15 | Iceland 1.53
- Draw 4.20
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.00 | Under 2.5 1.80
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.20 | No 1.60
The bookmakers’ odds overwhelmingly favour Iceland, and rightly so. A 1.53 price reflects their previous dominance and deeper squad, while Azerbaijan’s long odds mirror their poor form and lack of both threat and resilience. Notably, the over on total goals is inviting, given their last meeting produced five. The “No” for both teams to score at 1.60 is also instructive—Azerbaijan’s struggle for goals has been persistent.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Azerbaijan possible starting eleven
- GK: Aydin Bayramov
- DF: Elvin Dzhafarquliyev, Bahlul Mustafazade, Anton Krivotsyuk, Tural Bayramov
- MF: Emin Makhmudov, Sabuhi Abdullazada, Qismat Aliyev, Abbas Huseynov, Elvin Badalov
- FW: Mahir Emreli
Azerbaijan persist with a 4-5-1, marshalled by the experienced Makhmudov in midfield and Mahir Emreli leading the line. Expect Dzhafarquliyev and Mustafazade to anchor defence. The compact midfield is hoping to shield their vulnerable back line, yet their progress hinges on much more crispness in passing and transition play. Emreli’s recent form is a concern, but his work rate could open up at least a chance or two in a crowded Icelandic half.

Iceland possible starting eleven
- GK: Elías Rafn Ólafsson
- DF: Victor Pálsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Daniel Leo Gretarsson, Logi Tomasson, Aron Gunnarsson
- MF: Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, Kristian Nokkvi Hlynsson, Mikael Ellertsson, Mikael Anderson
- FW: Albert Gudmundsson
Iceland are likely to line up 5-4-1, using overlapping wing-backs and three at the back—Pálsson and Ingason offering control, while Gudmundsson spearheads their vertical play. At midfield, the youthful blend of Haraldsson and Ellertsson injects vigour, with support from the versatile Anderson. It’s a formation that adapts well, providing solidity while keeping Iceland’s attacking rhythm pacy and direct.
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Iceland. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
My take on the Match
In matches like these, the gulf in confidence and cohesion is profound. Iceland, pressured to keep pace in the group, have already shown their teeth against Azerbaijan with that five-goal blitz. Yet, history isn’t always destiny—Azerbaijan are due a performance and Brann Stadion’s neutral setting could inspire more resistance. Still, the logic of recent form, player availability, and squad depth tilts this squarely Iceland’s way. We fancy Iceland to cover the -1 Asian Handicap, and for goals to flow again—unless Azerbaijan can finally stiffen up defensively.
Both sides are navigating transitional phases, but if Iceland assert their tempo early, they could put this to bed before the hour mark. It’s time for us, as fans and followers, to see if Azerbaijan can muster an upset, but every stat, every pattern, points towards a safe Icelandic passage.

