Match Overview

The 6th round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the national teams of Albania and Latvia will take place on September 9 at the “Arena Kombëtare” in Tirana. This preview provides a comprehensive look at the Albania – Latvia fixture, including predictions, odds, and key statistics.

Albania National Team Analysis

Albania’s Recent Form

Following a 0:2 defeat to England in the 1st round, the Balkan team has remained undefeated. Albania secured a decisive 3:0 victory over Andorra and played two draws – against Serbia (0:0) and Latvia (1:1). After 4 matches played, the national team currently sits in 3rd place, just 2 points behind Serbia. However, Albania has played one more game.

Key Statistics for Albania

• At least one team failed to score in 9 out of Albania’s last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
• No more than two goals were scored in 6 of Albania’s last 8 matches in this tournament.
• In their last 6 home matches in World Cup qualifiers, the national team suffered only 1 defeat (4 wins and 1 draw).

Albania Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Thomas Strakosha – Ivan Balliu, Ardian Ismajli, Marash Kumbulla, Mario Mitaj – Qazim Laçi, Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani – Arber Hoxha, Rey Manaj, Armando Broja.

Latvia National Team Analysis

Latvia’s Current Performance

Paolo Nicolato’s squad hosted Serbia in the previous round. Despite a decent performance from the hosts, the match ended in a 1:0 victory for the Balkan team. This marked Latvia’s third consecutive winless match in the current qualification campaign (1 draw and 2 defeats). The national team has only managed one victory so far, against Andorra, whom they currently lead in the standings. Latvia also trails Serbia, who are second in the group, by 3 points.

Key Statistics for Latvia

• Latvia failed to win in 8 of their last 10 World Cup qualification matches (3 draws and 5 defeats).
• No more than two goals were scored in 7 of Latvia’s last 10 matches in this tournament.
• The national team avoided defeat in 5 of their last 6 away matches in World Cup qualifiers (2 wins and 3 draws).

Latvia Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)*

Krisjanis Zvedris – Alvis Jaunzems, Daniels Balodis, Vitalijs Jagodinskis, Andrejs Ciganiks, Raivis Jurkovskis – Renars Varslavans, Aleksejs Saveljevs, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs – Janis Ikaunieks, Vladislavs Gutkovskis.

Referee Details

Referee Profile

Damian Sylwestrzak (Poland)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 14 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 62;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 43%.

Match Prediction: Albania – Latvia

Match Outcome Analysis

The hosts are considered clear favorites for this upcoming encounter. However, I believe the visitors have a good chance to avoid defeat, or at least limit any loss to a minimal margin. While Albania performs well at home, in their last 16 home matches in this tournament, they have secured only 3 victories with a margin of more than one goal. All of these wins were against the weaker national teams on the European continent.

Latvia’s Defensive Improvement

With Paolo Nicolato taking over as coach, Latvia has shown improved performance and confidence. In their last 7 official matches, the team has only lost by a margin of two or more goals on one occasion – against England. Furthermore, in their last 6 away matches in World Cup qualifiers, Latvians have suffered only one defeat (also against England).

Expert Pick

My prediction – “Latvia with a (+1.5) handicap” at odds of 1.68

Author

Author: Олександр Олексенко

Disclaimer

* The starting lineup listed for each team is from their previous match in this tournament.