Qualification to the 2026 World Cup is within reach: Accumulator Tips for SEPTEMBER 09 2025

The fight for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across continents, and we will be focusing on Europe and Africa in our acca for today. Portugal annihilated Armenia in their first Group F game last week, with Ronaldo scoring a brace, which included a long-range shot. The 40-year-old legend is not backing down anytime soon. England currently leads Group K with 12 points, and Serbia is five points behind the Three Lions. Finally, Nigeria has one last chance to make it to the World Cup if they defeat South Africa on Tuesday. This qualifier is the most important for the two Nations, and we are excited to see it all unfold. Let's analyze the teams’ forms, key stats, and my opinion on the upcoming game. 

Hungary vs Portugal

Roberto Martínez’s men kicked off their qualifying campaign in style with a comfortable 5-0 win over Armenia, where Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix both bagged braces to send Portugal straight to the top of Group K. It was a comfortable night for the reigning UEFA Nations League champions, who will now look to deliver a similar performance when they face Armenia again on Tuesday.

For Ronaldo, the mission is clear. After bowing out in the quarterfinals of the 2024 World Cup despite Portugal’s immense talent and depth, the legendary forward is more determined than ever to guide his nation toward World Cup glory.

Hungary, meanwhile, showed both promise and vulnerability in their last outing against Ireland. Early strikes from Barnabás Varga and Roland Sallai had them cruising within 15 minutes, but they were pegged back, eventually settling for a 2-2 draw. With Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai leading the charge, Hungary certainly has quality, but Portugal’s star-strudded team may simply prove too much for Hungary’s hunger. Everything points to Portugal having the upper hand here, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they walk away with another convincing win.

Hungary vs Portugal probable lineup;

Hungary's possible Starting Lineup (4-4-1-1)

Dibusz— Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez— Styles,Bolla, Dardai, Szoboszlai, —Toth —Barnabas Varga

Head Coach: Marco Rossi

Portugal's possible Starting Lineup (4-3-3)

Costa— Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes—J Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes,— Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, Felix

Head Coach: Roberto Martínez

• Bet: 2 & TO 1.5 goals

Serbia vs England

England will look to keep their perfect run alive in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they travel to Belgrade on Tuesday to face a formidable Serbia side. The Three Lions sit comfortably at the top of Group K with 12 points from four games, holding a five-point cushion over second-placed Serbia. However, the hosts remain unbeaten in the campaign and have a game in hand, making this clash a real test for both teams.

Serbia started their qualifiers with a frustrating goalless draw against Albania, but bounced back in style, securing back-to-back victories over Andorra and Latvia. England, meanwhile, extended their winning streak with a 2-0 triumph over Andorra last Saturday. Still, it was far from a statement performance against a side ranked 174th in the world by FIFA. An early own goal gave them the lead, and Declan Rice eventually sealed the result in the 67th minute. For a team with England’s quality, it's not about qualification, which seems all but assured, but about whether Thomas Tuchel can finally lead this talented squad all the way to a World Cup title.

Serbia vs England probable lineup;

Serbia's possible Starting Lineup (3-1-4-2)

Petrovic— Milenkovic, Erakovic, Pavlovic— Ivan Ilic— Zivkovic, Gudelj, Maksimovic, Samardzic—Luka Jovic, Vlahovic

Head Coach: Dragan Stojkovic

England's possible Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Pickford— Lewis-Skelly, Burn, Guehi, James— Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson,—Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke —Harry Kane

Head Coach: Thomas Tuchel

• Bet: X2 & TU 3.5 goals

South Africa vs Nigeria

All eyes will be on Free State Stadium this Tuesday as South Africa hosts Nigeria in a crucial CAF World Cup qualifier. This is a must-win for both teams, especially for the Super Eagles, who are fighting to keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive after missing out on the last edition. With only nine points left to play for, Nigeria finds itself six points behind Bafana Bafana heading into matchday eight. That gap raises the pressure on Eric Chelle’s men, who now face the very real danger of missing back-to-back World Cup finals.

For South Africa, it’s a chance to tighten their grip at the top and seal their qualification to the World Cup, but for Nigeria, it’s nothing short of a must-win. A draw is a very good result for South Africa, but a win is all Nigeria needs if they intend to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive. 

• Bet: 2TO 0.5 goal