On Monday, September 8, at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens, Greece will host Denmark in the second matchday of Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, which will take place across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. On paper, this group is one of the most balanced of the entire competition, with Greece, Scotland, and Denmark all starting at a similar level in the fight for first and second place, apart from Belarus who seem weaker. This means every single point gained or dropped could prove decisive in the final standings and, consequently, affect the chances of reaching the next World Cup. After the opening round, Greece sit top of the table thanks to their comfortable win over Belarus. Now, another victory would be crucial to consolidate first place and move five points ahead of Denmark. The Danes, on the other hand, know they wasted a big opportunity by failing to beat Scotland at home, settling for a goalless draw. The Red and Whites are already at a key crossroads: with a win, they would overtake Greece, but a defeat could put them in danger of losing touch with the top two spots, especially since Scotland are expected to win their easier match against Belarus. We should expect a hard-fought clash: Greece will aim for three points to stay top, while Denmark must avoid defeat to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Greece's recent form and key stats

Greece are enjoying a good run of form, having won four consecutive matches, including two friendly victories in June against Slovakia and Bulgaria. Their latest success was a 5-1 demolition of Belarus in their Group C World Cup Qualifiers opener.

Looking at their last five official games (excluding friendlies), Greece have three wins and two defeats, averaging two goals scored and one conceded per match. Their attack has been particularly effective, led by Vangelis Pavlidis, while the defense has also been solid, conceding only twice in their last four competitive matches.

By beating Belarus, Greece also ended their home drought, as they had lost their last two Nations League matches in Athens against Scotland and England. Before those setbacks, however, they had beaten Finland and Ireland at home in the same competition. This highlights their inconsistency in front of their home fans in recent months.

Denmark's recent form and key stats

Denmark were held to a 0-0 draw against Scotland, undoing the positive momentum from their summer friendlies where they beat Northern Ireland and Lithuania. Despite the draw, the Danes could take some positives, as they dominated possession and created more chances, though they failed to find the net.

In their last five official matches, Denmark have recorded one win, two draws, and two defeats, averaging just 0.8 goals scored and one conceded per game. Their biggest concern is the lack of clinical finishing, despite having talented players up front, as they seem to lack a true striker who can consistently convert chances.

Another major issue is their poor away record. Denmark’s last away victory came on October 17, 2023, against minnows San Marino. Since then, they have picked up two draws and three defeats, including a 3-2 loss to Portugal in the second leg of the Nations League quarter-finals.

Greece vs Denmark prediction and tactical outlook

Backed by their home crowd, Greece enter this match as slight favorites. However, Jovanovic’s men will face a tough challenge: Denmark cannot afford to lose after their slip-up against Scotland, and they will come to Athens determined to get a result.

The high stakes suggest a tense and physical battle, with plenty of fouls and interruptions. Greece are likely to bypass Denmark’s physical midfield with long balls aimed at Vangelis Pavlidis, who will be tasked with holding up play and linking with wingers Karetsas and Tzolis, both of whom impressed against Belarus.

Denmark, meanwhile, will rely on their trademark defensive solidity and midfield balance, hoping for some creativity from Mikkel Damsgaard to unlock Greece’s organization. Up front, all eyes will be on Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli’s new signing, who is expected to deliver more than he has in recent outings.

Given the circumstances, a high-scoring game looks unlikely. The BetMines algorithm strongly leans towards Under 3.5 goals, suggesting that the fear of losing could outweigh the desire to win.

• Greece vs Denmark Prediction by BetMines: Over 3.5 goals with 35% probability
  
  
• Greece vs Denmark Prediction by BetMines: Under 3.5 goals with 65% probability

Probable lineups Greece vs Denmark

GREECE (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Kourbelis, Zafeiris; Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis; Pavlidis. Coach: Ivan Jovanovic

DENMARK (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen; Dreyer, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Maehle; Damsgaard; Dolberg, Biereth. Coach: Brian Riemer