Iceland
Bulgaria
>Iceland vs Bulgaria Predictions, Picks & Odds – 03/10/2026
UEFA Nations League · 3Iceland vs Bulgaria – Best bets of the match
Iceland vs Bulgaria Preview
Iceland sit atop League C Group 4 with four points from their opening two fixtures, and their confidence is soaring after a commanding 3-0 demolition of Luxembourg. Head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson appears to have his squad finding a collective rhythm, and the prospect of hosting Bulgaria at home presents a genuine opportunity to tighten their grip on the promotion places heading into League B.
Bulgaria arrive in dismal shape, winless in this campaign and anchored to the bottom of the group with zero points. The resignation of Aleksandar Dimitrov following a goalless draw with Estonia has plunged the setup into further turmoil, with interim boss Atanas Ribarski handed an unenviable task. A record of just three victories in fifteen outings across all competitions underlines how deep the malaise runs.
Iceland's home win at 1.40 represents the standout selection here. Bulgaria arrive in turmoil, with Aleksandar Dimitrov resigning after a goalless draw with Estonia and interim coach Atanas Ribarski thrust into the role with minimal preparation time. That kind of upheaval rarely produces immediate results on the pitch, and the visitors have managed just three victories in their last fifteen outings across all competitions.
The hosts, by contrast, are finding genuine cohesion under Arnar Gunnlaugsson. A side that dismantled Luxembourg with three unanswered goals carries real momentum, and playing on home soil should amplify that advantage. Bulgaria have scored only once in their last five matches, which makes under 2.5 goals at 1.95 a credible secondary pick.
Backing Iceland to win at 1.40 is the primary recommendation, supported by Bulgaria's rock-bottom group standing, managerial instability, and chronic lack of goals. The under 2.5 goals market offers additional value given Bulgaria's blunt attack. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Iceland vs Bulgaria
- Iceland scored three in last outing
- Bulgaria goalless in two recent matches
- Bulgaria coaching upheaval breeds further instability
Form & Statistics: Iceland vs Bulgaria
Iceland
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Bulgaria
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Lineups: Iceland vs Bulgaria
Iceland
Starters
- 1 Hakon Valdimarsson
- 2 Daniel Leo Gretarsson
- 3 Victor Pálsson
- 4 Stefán Teitur Thórdarson
- 5 Logi Tomasson
- 6 Hákon Arnar Haraldsson
- 7 Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson
- 8 Mikael Ellertsson
- 9 Gylfi Sigurðsson
- 10 Orri Steinn Óskarsson
- 11 Andri Guðjohnsen
Bench
- Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson
- Jón Dagur Þórsteinsson
Absent
- Sverrir Ingi Ingason (Cruciate Ligament Rupture (expected return June 2027))
- Kristian Nokkvi Hlynsson (Unknown injury (expected return late September 2026))
- Elías Rafn Ólafsson (Kidney problems (expected return mid-October 2026))
- Albert Guðmundsson (Dislocated left glenohumeral joint (expected out for 45 days/6 weeks))
- Gísli Thórdarson (Injured)
Bulgaria
Starters
- 1 Daniel Naumov
- 2 Ivan Turitsov
- 3 Kristian Dimitrov
- 4 Hristiyan Petrov
- 5 Dimitar Velkovski
- 6 Ilia Gruev
- 7 Andrian Kraev
- 8 Kiril Despodov
- 9 Lukas Petkov
- 10 Zdravko Dimitrov
- 11 Martin Minchev
Bench
- Emil Tsenov
- Asen Chandarov
- Georgi Rusev
- Teodor Valentinov Ivanov
Medium confidence
A 4-4-2 against a 4-2-3-1 sets up an intriguing midfield contest at Laugardalsvöllur. Iceland's double pivot will look to press high and disrupt Bulgaria's build-up, with Gylfi Sigurðsson offering the creative threat that could unlock a disciplined visiting back four.
For Bulgaria, Kiril Despodov operating in the attacking midfield band will be central to their ambitions on the counter, with Ilia Gruev and Andrian Kraev tasked with shielding the defence. Both lineups carry probable rather than confirmed status, so minor changes before kickoff remain possible.
How to Watch Iceland vs Bulgaria Match?
What time is Iceland vs Bulgaria?
Iceland vs Bulgaria kicks off on Saturday 3rd October 2026 at 17:00 BST.
Where is Iceland vs Bulgaria being played?
The venue for this fixture is still to be confirmed by UEFA.
How Can I Watch Iceland vs Bulgaria on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcasting details for Iceland vs Bulgaria have not yet been confirmed. Check local listings closer to kickoff.