Iceland vs Bulgaria prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, October 3, 2026
UEFA Nations League C
On October 3, 2026, the third round of Division C of the UEFA Nations League will feature a match between the national teams of Iceland and Bulgaria. The hosts will be fighting for victory on home soil.
Iceland - Bulgaria team news and expert analysis
Iceland collected seven points in the previous edition of the tournament, finishing third in their group. They then lost both playoff matches against Kosovo, 1-2 and 1-3. In qualifying, they missed out on second place to Ukraine, although they managed to draw with France at home. After that, they failed to win even in friendly matches. They began the current campaign against Estonia, settling for a home draw. However, they produced a convincing 3-0 victory in Luxembourg.
Bulgaria finished second in their group with nine points, but then lost both playoff matches against Ireland and failed to earn promotion to Division B. In qualifying, they could only exchange victories with Georgia while suffering defeats to Spain and Turkey. They have now lost 1-2 at home to Luxembourg. In the second round, they recorded a goalless draw with Estonia on home soil.
The islanders averaged 1.1 goals scored per match while conceding more — 1.6. Dimitrov and company have averaged 1.7 goals scored and two conceded.
Previous meetings: Iceland - Bulgaria
The teams faced each other between 2001 and 2005, with Bulgaria winning three times and the other matches ending in draws.
A team of this caliber should at least be beaten convincingly at home. We are backing the hosts with a "-1 goal" handicap (odds – 1.65).
Iceland - Bulgaria: key statistics and trends
- Iceland have not lost either of their last two matches
- In 40% of Iceland's matches, both teams score, while the average total goals per game is 2.7
- Bulgaria have not won any of their last four matches
- In 50% of Bulgaria's matches, both teams score, while the average total goals per game is 3.7
Iceland - Bulgaria: possible starting lineups
Iceland play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Valdimarsson - Pálsson, Sigurdsson, Gretarsson, Thomasson - Ellertsson, Jóhannesson, Haraldsson, Þórðarson - Guðjohnsen, Óskarsson
Bulgaria play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Naumov - Turitsov, Dimitrov, Velkov, Velkovski - Tsonev, Gruev - Stoyanov, Zdravko Dimitrov, Lukas Petkov - Marin Petkov
Place your bets on the upcoming match and keep track of your team's position in the UEFA Nations League standings
