UEFA Nations League Predictions - 26 September, Round 1

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 57 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 57 minutes ago

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Goals to flow between England and Spain.
Czech Republic to go down to a strong Croatia side.
Albania and Belarus to battle to find the net.
North Macedonia to give the Swiss a battle in a low-scorer.

England have netted 16 goals in their last 6 internationals (Getty Images).

UEFA Nations League Predictions - 26 September 2026, Round 1

UEFA Nations League Predictions - 26 September 2026, Round 1
England vs Spain
Czech Republic vs Croatia
Albania vs Belarus
North Macedonia vs Switzerland

England vs Spain

The last time the teams met was in the final of Euro 2024, Spain winning 2-1. They are two of the top performing sides in world football, England making it to the semi-final of this year’s World Cup while Spain won the trophy. So this should be a thrilling match with England enjoying better win odds with home ground advantage.

Both sides have eight wins in their last 10 matches, with Spain being undefeated while England have lost just once, to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. The hosts have scored 16 goals in their last six matches while Spain have netted 10 times.

This isn’t a match I would comfortably bet on a win for either side or on a draw, but I think backing over 2.5 goals is a strong bet. Nice odds on 3.5 goals (2.85), but although their attacks are both strong they also have good defences, so over 3.5 goals could be taking to much of a chance for my liking.

Czech Republic vs Croatia

Croatia are ranked way above their hosts and have never lost to them, so I’m throwing my hat into the ring for a Croatia win.

The Czech Republic lost two and drew one of their three World Cup matches and finished bottom in one of the weaker groups in the World Cup, scoring just two goals to six. They won their six matches leading up to the World Cup but four of those wins were against low-ranked nations, while both of their wins came through penalties.

Croatia’s form has been strong, winning six of their last 10 matches. They lost four of those matches, but their losses were against top-ranked sides - Brazil, Belgium, England and Portugal - so I’m confident they can crack the Czechs.

Albania vs Belarus

Albania won five on the trot before losing their last five matches in a row, although those defeats were to strong footballing nations. They conceded just seven goals in those five defeats, but more worrying is the fact that they netted just once.

Four of Albania’s five wins in their recent streak were 1-0 wins, so their attack is far from potent. Belarus are undefeated in six matches but mostly against lower-ranked sides. They lost their previous five matches on the bounce and have scored just 14 goals in 11 matches.

Albania are strong favourites for the win (1.49) so there’s little point backing them. A draw is slated at 4.00 but with Albania such strong favourites that feels like leaving too much on the table. I like the look of Albania to keep a clean sheet (1.77), but I feel stronger about a 0-0 draw or Albania winning 1-0, so I’m backing under two match goals as the payout looks worth the squeeze.

North Macedonia vs Switzerland

The odds favour Switzerland heavily, although North Macedonia are undefeated in their last 10 home matches, albeit a number at neutral venues. They typically play against low-ranked sides, but they drew 1-1 with England at home in 2023 and drew with Wales and Belgium in the recent World Cup, where they were undefeated in their four matches.

Switzerland haven’t won in their last five matches on the road and have scored just three times. Their only defeat in their last nine matches was to Argentina in the World Cup, winning four and drawing one of their five matches ahead of their quarter-final defeat to Argentina.

Switzerland have only conceded eight goals in their last nine matches, with three coming against Argentina. North Macedonia have scored just twice in their last eight matches, conceding 16 goals.

This looks like a low-scoring match. North Macedonia’s home form gives me pause to consider a draw at cosy odds of 4.50, but the Swiss are potent so there is high risk in that wager. The safest bet with a decent payout looks to be under three total match goals as that leaves plenty of wiggle room for the result.

Verdict

UEFA Nations League

I’m backing goals between England and Spain, a win for Croatia and a shortage of goals between Albania and Belarus as well as in the North Macedonia-Switzerland clash.

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