Match Overview

The sixth-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the national teams of Azerbaijan and Ukraine is scheduled for September 9 at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku. This preview covers the match forecast, betting tips, odds, and key statistics for Azerbaijan vs. Ukraine.

Azerbaijan’s Form and Qualification Woes

Under Fernando Santos, Azerbaijan has had a challenging start in Group D. Their opening match saw them suffer a heavy 0-5 defeat to Iceland. This marked their second consecutive significant loss in competitive fixtures, following a 0-6 thrashing by Sweden in the Nations League. In the European World Cup qualifiers, Azerbaijan is currently on a streak of five consecutive defeats.

Key Statistics for Azerbaijan

• The national team has conceded at least 3 goals in each of its last five World Cup qualifying matches.
• Azerbaijan’s winless streak in this tournament stretches to 11 games (1 draw, 10 losses).
• The Caucasian team has found the net in 8 of its last 12 World Cup qualification fixtures.

Azerbaijan: Predicted Starting Lineup (3-5-2)*

Shahrudin Magomedaliyev – Rahman Dashdemirov, Bahlul Mustafazade, Elvin Badalov – Ismail Ibrahimli, Elvin Jafarguliyev, Emin Mahmudov, Sabuhi Abdullazade, Jalal Huseynov – Mahir Emreli, Nariman Akhundzade.

Ukraine’s Qualification Journey

Serhiy Rebrov’s squad also kicked off their qualification campaign with a defeat. Playing on neutral ground in Poland, the Ukrainians were unable to challenge group favorites France, resulting in a 0-2 loss. This marked their second consecutive clean-sheet defeat in competitive play, following a significant 0-3 loss to Belgium in March. Despite this, Ukraine has shown resilience in World Cup qualifiers, avoiding defeat in 9 of their previous 11 matches (3 wins, 6 draws).

Ukraine: Key Performance Indicators

• Both teams have scored in 8 of Ukraine’s last 11 World Cup qualifiers.
• A maximum of two goals were scored in 12 of Ukraine’s previous 15 matches in this tournament.
• Away from home, the national team has suffered only 1 defeat in its last 7 European World Cup qualifying matches (4 wins, 2 draws).

Ukraine: Predicted Starting Lineup (4-5-1)*

Anatoliy Trubin – Yukhym Konoplya, Illia Zabarnyi, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mykola Matviyenko – Oleksandr Zubkov, Yehor Yarmolyuk, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Georgiy Sudakov, Oleksiy Hutsulyak – Artem Dovbyk.

Match Official: Vasilios Fotias

Vasilios Fotias (Greece)

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

Yellow cards shown (incl. second yellow) – 41;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties awarded – 36%.

Azerbaijan vs. Ukraine: Match Prediction

Based on their initial encounter with France, it seems unlikely that Ukraine will challenge for the top spot in the group. Consequently, the most compelling battle will be for second place against Iceland. To surpass Iceland in the standings by the end of the group stage, Ukraine must secure maximum points against the group’s underdog, Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani team is clearly outmatched by the other national teams in Group D. Furthermore, Azerbaijan has suffered 14 defeats in their last 16 World Cup qualifying matches, with their only victory coming against San Marino (and one draw). Even on home soil, Azerbaijan is on a run of 5 consecutive losses in this competition. In contrast, Ukraine has secured 3 wins in their last 4 away matches in this tournament, with only one defeat.

My prediction is – “Ukraine to Win” with odds of 1.60

Note on Lineups

*The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.