As we await the final team between Germany and Italy to complete Group I, Israel and Estonia face off in their first match of the long journey towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Israel, which has been playing its "home" matches in Debrecen, Hungary since November 2023 due to security reasons, has only participated in one World Cup, back in 1970. Meanwhile, Estonia has never qualified for a major international tournament. Realistically, it seems highly unlikely that either team will secure one of the 48 spots available for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Israel appears to have a slightly better chance, as they showed signs of improvement in recent Nations League matches, drawing with France and defeating Belgium. However, the inability to play in front of home fans could be a significant disadvantage. While Israel faces a tough challenge with Norway competing for a potential second-place finish, Estonia's main goal may simply be to avoid finishing last in the group. To do so, they will need to secure points in this opening away match in Hungary.

Israel's Recent Form & Key Statistics

Israel enters this World Cup qualification match after finishing last in Group 2 of the Nations League. Under coach Shlomo, the team collected just 4 points in 6 matches (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses), though they faced tough opposition in France, Belgium, and Italy.

Despite being relegated to League B, Israel showed late improvement, securing a historic 1-0 victory over Belgium and a 0-0 draw in France. During their Nations League campaign, Israel averaged 0.83 goals scored per match while conceding 2.17 goals per match.

Estonia's Recent Form & Key Statistics

Estonia also had a disappointing Nations League campaign, finishing third in League C, Group 1, behind Sweden and Slovakia. They managed to collect just 4 points, scoring only 3 goals, all against Azerbaijan (1 win, 1 draw).

More broadly, Estonia has won just 2 matches across their last four World Cup qualifying cycles. Additionally, they have won only one away match in World Cup qualification since 2013.

Israel vs Estonia Prediction & Tactical Overview

Since relocating their home matches to Hungary, Israel has experienced a significant decline in home performance, winning just one of their last six home matches (4 losses, 1 draw).

Given the circumstances, we could see a low-scoring and balanced match. Israel struggles to score at home but maintains a certain level of consistency—having scored exactly one goal in each of their last seven home matches.

On the other hand, Estonia has failed to score in their last three away matches in the Nations League, even against weaker opponents like Azerbaijan.

For these reasons, the BetMines algorithm prediction for Israel vs Estonia suggests under 2.5 total goals.

• The BetMines prediction for the Israel vs Estonia match predicts Under 2.5 goals at 54%.
• The BetMines prediction for the Israel vs Estonia match predicts Over 2.5 goals at 46%.

Israel vs Estonia Predicted Lineups

Israel (4-5-1): Da. Peretz; Dasa, Nachmias, Goldberg, Shlomo; Solomon, Jaber, Do. Peretz, Abu Fani, Gloukh; David. Coach: Shlomo.

Estonia (4-2-3-1): Hein; Paskotsi, Saliste, Mets, Schjonning-Larsen; Poom, Palumets; Yakovlev, Kristal, Sinyavskiy; Tamm. Coach: Henn.