Serbia is favored to win their World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Latvia, with Mitrovic and Vlahovic leading the attack. Latvia will miss key defender Cernomordijs due to suspension, making it difficult for them to contain Serbia’s strong offense. Serbia’s recent form and squad depth give them a significant advantage in this crucial Group K encounter.
Riga, Latvia – In a crucial Group K World Cup 2026 qualifying clash, Latvia hosts Serbia at the Daugava Stadium this Saturday. Both teams are level on four points, but Serbia holds a slight advantage due to goal difference and possesses a game in hand. They arrive in Riga with momentum from an encouraging unbeaten run, making them the favorites in this encounter.
Latvia's journey in Group K has been a mix of challenges and resilience. After facing a tough test against England, Paolo Nicolato’s squad demonstrated their mettle with a victory over Andorra and a draw against Albania. The 1-1 draw against Albania was particularly memorable for defender Antonijs Cernomordijs, who experienced a rollercoaster of emotions by scoring an own goal, then redeeming himself with the equalizer, only to be suspended for the upcoming match due to a yellow card.
Currently fourth in the group with four points from nine, Latvia is just a point behind Albania, with a game in hand. A win this weekend could significantly boost their chances of playoff contention. This match marks the first senior meeting between Latvia and Serbia, although their U21 teams have clashed four times previously, with three ending in draws and Serbia securing a 2-0 victory in 2007.
Team News for Latvia sees Cernomordijs included in the squad for the subsequent game against Albania, but his suspension leaves a void for this match. Veteran Vitalijs Jagodinskis, 33, is expected to fill in, while Aberdeen defender Kristers Tobers is sidelined due to injury, further weakening the Latvian defense.
Serbia enters this qualifier with high spirits, having secured their UEFA Nations League status through a March playoff victory. Despite playing only two World Cup 2026 qualifiers so far, Dragan Stojkovic’s team is brimming with confidence. Their March success saw them edge Austria 3-1 on aggregate to remain in League A. In June, they secured four crucial points by shutting out both Albania and Andorra. After a goalless draw with Albania, Serbia delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Andorra, with Aleksandar Mitrovic marking his 100th cap with a memorable hat-trick.
This victory propelled Serbia to just one point behind Albania, with two games in hand, and extended their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers to an impressive 11 matches since 2017. Their current unbeaten streak across all competitions stands at six matches, underscoring their strong form.
For Serbia, Mitrovic, who is nearing a move to Al-Rayyan, will lead the attack alongside Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Midfielder Sasa Lukic is also expected to feature. However, goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will be absent as he settles in at Napoli, potentially giving Bournemouth’s Djordje Petrovic a starting opportunity.
Latvia's defensive vulnerabilities, compounded by the absence of the suspended Cernomordijs and a lack of clinical finishing in attack, make them unlikely to pose significant problems for Serbia. While the hosts may attempt to frustrate Serbia with a packed defense, the potent strike partnership of Mitrovic and Vlahovic should eventually break them down and produce at least two goals. Serbia is well-positioned to secure a straightforward three points, boosting their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
The expectation is for Serbia to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Latvia will need to rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces to threaten the Serbian goal. However, Serbia’s strong defense and experienced midfield should provide a solid foundation for their attacking players to shine.
Serbia's recent form and superior squad depth make them the clear favorites in this match. While Latvia will fight hard to secure a positive result, it is difficult to see them containing Serbia's attacking prowess for the entire 90 minutes. Expect Serbia to score multiple goals and emerge victorious, further solidifying their position in Group K.