World Cup Qualifiers and Nations League betting tips: Argentina, France and Netherlands feature

The road to World Cup 2026 starts here. Or at least it does for some countries, as others in Europe will be in Nations League action this weekend. 

The outcome of the latter determines which World Cup qualifying groups certain teams go into, even though other sections get underway this week. Confused? You will be.

Love football? Find the best football betting sites and bet with welcome bonuses today.

No matter the competition, all the big nations are in action and here are our FIRST top tips across the worldwide action.

Uruguay vs Argentina betting tips

As these teams start the match week as the top two in the CONMEBOL group, from which six teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, this game might not seem too important. 

But Argentina face Brazil next while this is Uruguay’s hardest remaining game. A win against the top team in the FIFA rankings would help the Uruguayans climb the group, increasing their chances of a better draw at the World Cup.

Despite a poor record in the head-to-head, Uruguay won the reverse fixture 2-0 in November 2023. In a mini league of the current top four, it is the only victory by an away team to date. 

As Argentina will be without talisman Lionel Messi, it’s easy to envisage a home win.

Scoreline prediction

Uruguay 2-1 Argentina (9/1 with BetMGM)

FIRST’s top tip:

Uruguay to win (7/5 with Mr.Play)

Moldova vs Norway betting tips

One of the matches in our weekly acca betting tips for this weekend, Norway haven’t faced Moldova since 2014. While they’ve won four of the past five meetings, only once was their margin greater than one goal.

They didn’t have Erling Haaland for those games though. 

As much as Manchester City have struggled this term, Haaland has still done well. He has scored 29 goals across league and European football.

He has also scored at least twice in 11 matches for Norway. Back Haaland to score but take the hat-trick option if you’re feeling bold.

Scoreline prediction

Moldova 0-3 Norway (33/5 with Matchbook)

FIRST’s top tip:

Erling Haaland to score anytime (4/5 with BetMGM)

Wales vs Kazakhstan betting tips

Wales’s campaign to reach the 2026 World Cup begins with a must-win game.

With Belgium very likely to top the section, the Welsh need to finish ahead of Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein and North Macedonia to secure the play-off spot. Beating them all at home is imperative.

Both Wales and Kazakhstan were in Nations League B last year. At home, Wales collected seven points from three games, only conceding one goal. The Kazakhs, meanwhile, lost all three on the road by an aggregate scoreline of 12-0.

It’s reasonable to assume a home win with a clean sheet here. 

Scoreline prediction

Wales 3-0 Kazakhstan (5/1 with Coral)

FIRST’s top tip:

Wales win to nil (8/11 with Spreadex)

Scotland vs Greece betting tips

Scotland won 1-0 in Greece in the first leg thanks to a Scott McTominay penalty. While the nations hadn’t met for almost 20 years, the only prior clashes also ended with 1-0 scorelines.

The recent form for both teams suggests a similar outcome is on the cards once again. 

At least one side failed to score in three of Scotland’s previous four home games. Similarly, both teams found the net in just two of Greece’s last 10 matches on the road.

There will be very little between these teams. 

Scoreline prediction

Scotland 0-0 Greece (13/2 with Coral)

FIRST’s top tip:

Both teams to score: No (83/100 with Luckster)

France vs Croatia betting tips

France were better on the road in the Nations League group phase, taking nine of their 13 points away from home. Croatia have only beaten the weakest two sides in their group. 

Who would’ve guessed the Croats would beat France 2-0 at home in the first leg of this tie? The French did at least dominate the statistics. 

They can be confident of a home win. Croatia lost in Scotland and threw away a 3-1 lead at Poland last year. They did win the previous meeting in France though.

Rather than the result, focus on goals. The visitors haven’t had a clean sheet in their last six away games so there should be action at both ends. 

Scoreline prediction

France 2-1 Croatia (13/2 with Ladbrokes)

FIRST’s top tip:

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals (11/8 with Coral)

Germany vs Italy betting tips

Germany came from behind in Italy on Thursday evening to win the first leg 2-1. The game was fairly even on the underlying numbers though.

This tie is far from over. As much as the Germans won all three home games to nil in the group stage, Italy won their trio of away matches 

Prior to this tie, these countries last met in the 2022/23 Nations League. Germany won the home clash 5-2, and while a repeat is obviously unlikely, we should get a few goals. 

Scoreline prediction

Germany 2-1 Italy (6/1 with Mr.Play)

FIRST’s top tip:

Over 2.5 goals (17/20 with BetMGM)

Portugal vs Denmark betting tips

These teams hadn’t met for almost 10 years prior to the first leg, with Portugal winning both meetings 1-0 in qualification for Euro 2016.

But Denmark won 1-0 on Thursday and deserved more. Christian Eriksen missed a penalty, with the Danes winning the shot count 23-8 even though the Portuguese were pre-match favourites. 

Portugal are also expected to win here. It’s notable though that their three victories on home soil in the group stage saw both teams score. 

With Denmark able to create so many chances against them, neither side is likely to keep a clean sheet.

Scoreline prediction

Portugal 1-1 Denmark (6/1 with Luckster)

FIRST’s top tip:

Both teams to score: Yes (15/16 with Matchbook)

Spain vs Netherlands betting tips

Not many countries enjoy a positive record against Spain over the last two decades but Netherlands are unbeaten (in 90 minutes) across the previous five meetings.

The first leg ended 2-2. Spain opened the scoring but later needed a 93rd-minute equaliser to level the tie.  

As they rarely lose on their own patch, last doing so in September 2022, Spain will be confident of advancing. The games are usually close, though, with four of their last five home victories being by a single goal.

As the Netherlands had a pair of 1-1 draws and a 1-0 defeat in Germany on the road in the group stage, they look good value for a handicap bet. 

Scoreline prediction

Spain 1-1 Netherlands (6/1 with Ladbrokes)

FIRST’s top tip:

Handicap: Netherlands +1 (6/5 with BetMGM)

Odds correct at the time of writing.