Greece begins its quest on Friday to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, hoping to return to soccer’s biggest stage for the first time since 2014.
The national team has been reinvigorated under Serbian coach Ivan Jovanovic, who took charge in August 2024 and quickly shifted the squad’s style from a defense-first approach to a more offense-oriented, possession-based game.
Results so far have been promising: Greece defeated England in London, advanced to League A of the Nations League after a playoff with Scotland and drew packed crowds in Crete during summer friendlies.
Greece is placed in Group 3 alongside Denmark, Scotland and Belarus. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification, with runners-up heading into playoffs. Denmark is expected to be Greece’s main rival for first place, while Scotland could prove decisive in shaping the standings. Belarus, forced to play home games in Hungary because of political sanctions, is seen as the weakest side.
Jovanovic has leaned on emerging talent, including 17-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas, who chose Greece over Belgium, and Olympiakos forward Giorgos Mouzakitis. He also called up Christos Zafeiris, a midfielder who debuted last year. Veterans such as captain Tasos Bakasetas and defender Kostas Tsimikas remain central.
The coach is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, blending youth and experience. Greece opens against Belarus at Karaiskakis Stadium before facing Denmark in the same venue.
UEFA will send 12 group winners directly to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with four more European spots decided through playoffs.
For Jovanovic and his players, the challenge is clear: turn cautious optimism into a long-awaited return to the global stage.