Iceland vs Bulgaria – News and Probable Lineups

With the aim of maintaining their promising start in the UEFA Nations League, Islândia is set to host Group C4 opponent Bulgária at Laugardalsvollur this Saturday.

Strakarnir okkar are eager to build on their previous victory, whereas the Lions find themselves without a head coach after facing challenges in the tournament thus far.

Match overview

Islândia has endured two consecutive relegations in the last editions of the Nations League, but they appear to have regained their form in League C under the guidance of Arnar Gunnlaugsson.

Strakarnir okkar entered the autumn fixtures with four defeats and two draws in their last six matches, leading fans to question the team’s prospects, despite the relative ease of their opposition.

Nevertheless, Gunnlaugsson’s squad managed to secure a point in a 1-1 draw against Estônia on September 16, followed by an impressive 3-0 victory over Luxemburgo three days later.

This win ended Islândia’s seven-match winless streak which dated back to a 2-0 success against Azerbaijão during World Cup qualifiers in November 2025, placing them at the top of Group C4.

Going into Saturday’s encounter undefeated in the 2026-27 Nations League should instill confidence in Strakarnir okkar, especially considering they have lost just once in their past four home matches, which includes a 2-2 draw against França in October 2025.

On the other hand, Bulgária finds themselves without a permanent manager following Aleksandar Dimitrov’s resignation from his role earlier this week.

The Lions were held to a 0-0 draw by Estônia on Tuesday, a disappointing outcome that prompted the former coach to announce his departure, attributing his resignation to this lackluster performance.

“We exhibited a chaotic display; our tactical plan was not followed, and we failed to execute the high press,” commented Dimitrov, who had a record of five losses, two draws, and three wins during his year in charge.

Atanas Ribarski will take over temporarily until a new head coach is appointed, but he will face a daunting task in reversing Bulgária’s current fortunes, with the team sitting at the bottom of the group with only one point to their name.

This Saturday’s fixture will mark the Lions’ first away game of the current Nations League season after they lost their opening match 2-1 to Luxemburgo, although the more optimistic fans traveling with the team might be encouraged by the fact that the visitors are on a three-match unbeaten streak on the road (two victories, one draw).

Team News

Islândia may be missing the adaptable Stefan Thordarson, whose status is uncertain following a muscle injury sustained against Luxemburgo on Tuesday.

In his absence, Hordur Magnusson is expected to step in alongside Daniel Gretarsson in central defense, supported by full-backs Victor Palsson and Logi Tomasson.

Moreover, there are concerns regarding the fitness of left winger Albert Gudmundsson due to a shoulder issue, which may lead to Mikael Ellertsson and Hakon Arnar Haraldsson filling in on the flanks, aiding the forward duo of Orri Oskarsson and Andri Gudjohnsen up front.

As for Bulgária, they are likely to have Elversberg star Lukas Petkov spearheading the attack, assisted by wingers Zdravko Dimitrov and Marin Petkov.

In goal, Daniel Naumov is expected to start, with a center-back partnership of Kristian Dimitrov and Stefan Velkov shielding him.

Islândia probable starting XI:

Valdimarsson; Palsson, Magnusson, Gretarsson, Tomasson; Ellertsson, Johannesson, Sigurdsson, Haraldsson; Gudjohnsen, Oskarsson

Bulgária probable starting XI:

Naumov; Turitsov, K Dimitrov, Velkov, Velkoxi; Tsonev, Gruev, Stoyanov; M Petkov, L Petkov, Z Dimitrov

Islândia will be feeling confident after a strong start to their Nations League journey, and they should be capable of outperforming a struggling Bulgária on home ground.

That said, the visitors will be eager to put forth a strong effort following Dimitrov’s departure, so anticipate a closely contested battle regardless of the outcome.