Match Overview

The 6th-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the national teams of Armenia and Ireland is scheduled for September 9 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. This preview will cover predictions, betting odds, and key statistics for the Armenia vs. Ireland encounter.

Armenia’s Form Analysis

Recent Performance

Under the guidance of Egishe Melikyan, the Armenian squad faced a formidable challenge against Portugal in their opening qualifying match. Playing on home turf, the Caucasian team suffered a crushing 0:5 defeat at the hands of the clear favorites. This result marked Armenia’s third significant loss in official competitions and their fourth consecutive defeat in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Key Statistics

• Armenia’s winless streak in the current tournament has extended to 8 matches (3 draws and 5 losses).
• At home, the Caucasian side has suffered 3 consecutive heavy defeats in World Cup qualifiers.
• The Armenians have scored in 8 of their last 10 home matches in the World Cup qualifying cycle.

Armenia’s Probable Starting XI (4-3-3)*

Anticipated Lineup

Ognjen Čančarević – Styopa Mkrtchyan, Kamo Hovhannisyan, Georgi Harutyunyan, Edgar Grigoryan – Nair Tiknizyan, Ugochukwu Iwu, Artur Serobyan – Edgar Sevikyan, Tigran Barseghyan, Gor Manvelyan.

Ireland’s Performance Overview

Opening Match Resilience

Despite only securing a 2:2 draw in their opening match, the Irish squad was content with a single point from their home game against Hungary. The team found themselves trailing 0:2 after the first 45 minutes but managed to mount a comeback in the second half, with the decisive equalizer scored in the third minute of added time. This result extends Ireland’s unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers to 6 matches, consisting of 2 wins and 4 draws.

Key Statistics

• In their last 11 World Cup qualifying matches, Ireland has only managed 2 wins (5 draws and 4 losses).
• Exactly two or three goals were scored in 6 of the national team’s last 7 matches in this tournament.
• The Irish have scored in 9 of their last 10 away games in World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland’s Probable Starting XI (4-3-3)*

Anticipated Lineup

Caoimhín Kelleher – Nathan Collins, Jake O’Brien, Matt Doherty, Dara O’Shea – Finn Azaz, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen – Ryan Manning, Evan Ferguson, Sammy Szmodics.

Referee Profile

Match Official

Goga Kikacheishvili (Georgia)

Referee’s Statistics

Matches officiated – 11 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 50;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 20;

Penalties awarded – 18%.

Match Prediction: Armenia vs Ireland

Ireland’s Resurgent Form

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad displayed commendable fighting spirit in the last round, managing to snatch a draw against the Hungarians. This performance should significantly boost their confidence and prospects for a positive outcome as the group stage concludes. While challenging for first place might be out of reach, a strong push for second place is certainly within their grasp. To achieve this, it’s crucial for them to defeat Armenia in both upcoming encounters.

Armenia’s Home Struggles vs. Ireland’s Away Resilience

Armenia exhibits weaknesses even on their home ground. In their last 11 official home matches, the Caucasian team has only managed to beat Latvia (twice), suffering a total of 8 defeats. In contrast, Ireland’s away record in World Cup qualifiers is more robust; in their last 10 away games, they only lost to Portugal and Serbia, both by a minimal margin, while securing 5 victories and 3 draws. Therefore, I recommend placing a bet on an Irish victory.

Final Verdict

My prediction is – “Ireland Win” with odds of 1.83

Author

Author: Олександр Олексенко

Important Note

* The starting lineup listed for each team refers to their previous match in this tournament.