Iceland vs Estonia – News and Probable Lineups

After being relegated from the second tier of European competition in 2025, Iceland is set to commence their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League journey with a match against Estonia at Reykjavik this Saturday.

This opening fixture of League C Group 4 marks the first of four matches for each team within the upcoming fortnight, which also includes Luxembourg and Bulgaria.

Match overview

Following a third-place finish in their League B group, trailing behind Wales and Turkey in the latest Nations League edition, Iceland faced relegation after losing in the playoffs shortly thereafter.

The side managed by Arnar Gunnlaugsson faced defeat in both legs of a challenging playoff against Kosovo, which set the precedent for another difficult World Cup qualifying campaign.

In pursuit of a second appearance at the World Cup, Iceland ultimately finished third again – this time behind France and Ukraine – and failed to secure a win in any of their five subsequent friendly matches.

The Nordic team suffered losses to Mexico, Japan, and Argentina, along with draws against Canada and Haiti, resulting in an ongoing winless streak since a 2-0 win against Azerbaijan in November.

Despite these setbacks, Gunnlaugsson has retained his position, and the former Leicester City striker will guide his squad through a series of four rapid fixtures in Group 4 over the next two weeks.

Their first fixture will take place at Laugardalsvollur, where Iceland will be considered the favorites against their initial opponents.

While the home team holds the 74th position in FIFA’s world rankings, Estonia finds itself in 127th place, representing their limited presence at the international level.

Jurgen Henn’s squad only achieved one win from six matches in the last Nations League, before proceeding through another World Cup qualifying journey.

They were notably left behind by the top three teams in Group I, with their only victory coming against Moldova, who were down to ten men within five minutes of that match.

Nonetheless, Estonia enters this matchup as Baltic Cup champions, having triumphed over the Faroe Islands and Lithuania to claim the trophy for a sixth time this past summer.

Team News

Iceland’s starting goalkeeper, Elias Rafn Olafsson, will be absent for the opening Nations League matches due to injury, having recently undergone kidney surgery.

Gunnlaugsson has called upon Anton Ara Einarsson from Breidablik as a replacement, but Brentford’s Hakon Valdimarsson, who has recently recovered from a back injury, or Runar Alex Runarsson could also step in as the main keeper.

In a notable development, veteran defender Aron Gunnarsson has opted to retire from international football, although the 37-year-old is still available until he officially departs next month.

It is anticipated that Real Sociedad’s Orri Oskarsson will partner Lazio forward Albert Gudmundsson in attack for the hosts, while Estonia’s forward line may be spearheaded by Alex Tamm, given the absence of injured striker Rauno Sappinen.

Regular starter Vlasiy Sinyaxiy is also unavailable, leading to Michael Schjonning-Larsen potentially taking over at left-back.

Meanwhile, 104-cap captain Karol Mets is expected to lead the visitors’ defence, positioned in front of Werder Bremen’s goalkeeper Karl Hein.

Iceland probable starting XI:

Valdimarsson; Palsson, Gretarsson, Magnusson, Tomasson; Ellertsson, Johannesson, Baldursson, Haraldsson; Gudmundsson, Oskarsson

Estonia probable starting XI:

Hay; Saliste, Mets, Paskotsi, Schjonning-Larsen; Soomets, Kait, Kristal; Mustmaa, Tamm, Saarma

On Saturday, Iceland’s winless streak is predicted to conclude as they face a lower-ranked team that possesses relatively limited attacking strength.

While Estonia’s recent success in acquiring silverware may uplift their spirits, they could struggle against Iceland this weekend.