Greece made the perfect start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, cruising to an emphatic 5–1 win over Belarus at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium (5/9). The national team came out firing, completely dominating the first half and creating numerous chances, with only Belarus goalkeeper Pavliuchenko standing in their way, keeping the scoreline somewhat respectable. Remarkably, five different players found the net: Karetsas (3’), Pavlidis (17’), Bakasetas (21’), Kourbelis (36’) and Tzolis (63’). Captain Bakasetas was the standout performer, scoring a stunning goal to make it 3–0 and also providing an assist, while Pavlidis (2), Karetsas and Vagiannidis also chipped in with key passes. Belarus pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Barkovski’s penalty, awarded for a debatable foul against Bakasetas.
Under Ivan Jovanović, Greece have now recorded 9 wins in their last 11 matches (friendlies and competitive), showing real promise of fighting for top spot in the group. Up next is a tough trip to Scotland on October 9.
Team news (Greece):
The only absentee remains injured left-back Giannoulis, meaning Tsimikas will once again start, with Kyriakopoulos as the alternative option. No other changes are expected in the starting XI. Konstantelias might have been in contention for a starting role, but Bakasetas’ outstanding display has cemented his place.
On the other hand, Denmark were held to a goalless draw by Scotland in Copenhagen, an early setback in their bid for the group’s top spot. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side controlled possession, created opportunities, and pushed hard in the second half, but couldn’t find the breakthrough. The result caused some frustration, particularly after Greece’s explosive performance, which immediately positioned them as early favourites in the group. It is still very early in the campaign, but a defeat today would leave Denmark five points behind Greece after just two rounds.
Team news (Denmark):
No new injuries or suspensions. Andreas Christensen returned to the starting lineup and is expected to keep his place. In attack, Kasper Dolberg (Ajax) is likely to start again, with Rasmus Højlund (Napoli) set to remain on the bench.