The FIFA World Cup qualifiers continue this weekend with European nations owning the spotlight.
The pregame narrative: Reigning European champion Spain looks to claim the top spot in Group B when it faces Turkey on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the Netherlands should get its offence going against Lithuania.
Check out my FIFA World Cup qualifier predictions for the European soccer matches on Sept. 7, 2025.
World Cup qualifier predictions
Turkey/Spain over 2.5 goals (-134): This is arguably the most exciting match of the weekend, with both Spain and Turkey hoping for a strong showing at the World Cup next summer.
Turkey started its journey in Group B with a 3-2 win over Georgia on Thursday. Scoring in bunches isn’t off-brand for the nation, as it scored two or more goals in four of its past five matches.
The Turkish side also conceded in four of those contests, and the over on this total is 4-1 during that time.
A high pace should be welcomed by an attacking group like Spain. La Roja beat Bulgaria 3-0 in its opening match.
When Spain won the Euros last summer, the side led the competition with 13.0 xG. That was over three more than Germany, which scored the second most with 9.8, per Fotmob.
Key stat: Eight straight Spain matches have gone over this total. In those games, an average of 4.9 goals were scored.
European soccer betting markets
European soccer picks
Netherlands team total over 2.5 (-136): The Netherlands is another team that I expect to showcase its offensive prowess this weekend.
The Dutch have the benefit of playing Lithuania this weekend, which has been one of the worst soccer nations in Europe recently.
- The club has gone 12 matches straight without a win. That includes losing twice to Cyprus and twice to Kosovo.
- Lithuania tied Malta 1-1 on Thursday, and the Netherlands beat Malta 8-0 on June 10.
- The Netherlands has scored at least two goals in five of its past seven games. That includes drawing Spain 3-3 in the Nations League quarterfinal back in March.
Now, the side will need three on Saturday to cash this wager, but I don’t think that’s a lot to ask against a club of Lithuania’s quality.
Lithuania has played just once against a top-25-ranked nation (No. 21 Denmark) in 2025 and lost that contest, 5-0. The Dutch rank 14 spots higher at No. 7.
World Cup qualifier predictions made at 9:16 a.m. on 09/05/2025.
Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.