Preview: Finland vs Andorra – predictions, team news, line-ups

After both nations confirmed their exit from 2026 World Cup qualifying this week, Finland And Andorra will face each other in an international friendly match on Monday, November 17.

Recovering from their respective disappointments will be the priority for both teams before their final match of this international break.

Match Preview

Finland’s slim hopes of qualifying for the UEFA World Cup qualifiers were dashed when they were stunned 1-0 by Malta at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

The Scandinavian country needed three points and were hoping for Poland to lose their final qualifying match, but they are now firmly in third place in Group G and have nowhere to go.

Jacob Friis was appointed manager at the start of 2025 to replace Markku Kanervawho remained in the hot seat for almost eight years.

However, the decision to bring in Friis has not resulted in a change in fortunes, as Finland is still seeking only its second appearance at a major tournament.

The Danish-born coach oversaw nine games, five of which he lost, while the Eagle-owls won just three under his watch.

The hosts’ only positive point is that they have never lost a match against Andorra, but those two meetings took place more than 20 years ago.

Andorra have had a poor World Cup qualifying campaign, much worse than Monday’s hosts, as they will finish last in Group K.

Although they failed to win a single match, the Tricolores proved to be an extremely stubborn team and difficult to break down, even for the best of teams.

In that qualifying campaign, they lost to England by scores of 1-0 and 2-0, and were once again beaten 1-0 by Albania in their previous outing.

They have conceded an average of two goals per game, but their defensive resilience is commendable, which coach Koldo Álvarez will rely on in this encounter.

Finland form (all competitions):

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Andorra form (all competitions):

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Team News

Finland said goodbye to one of its best exports of all time, Teemu Pukkiwho decided to hang up his international boots after the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former Norwich City player is the national team’s all-time top scorer, representing a huge loss for the home side.

Daniel Hakans will not be available for selection after undergoing surgery, which is coach Friis’ main injury problem.

The visitors have a full squad for the friendly, giving Alvarez the opportunity to rotate his team.

It remains to be seen whether the coach will call on defender Joel Guillen, who recently served a suspension for two bookable infractions but was left completely out of the previous day’s squad.

Moses San Nicolas was the most capped player on the visitors’ side last time out, as he anchors the team ahead of veteran Marc Valès.

Finland possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Alho, Ivanov, Tenho, Koski, Lahteenmaki; Antman, Kairine, Lod, Central; Valta

Andorra possible starting composition:

Gomes; Borra, Olivera, Llovera, Garcia, San Nicolas; Rosas, Babot, Rebes, Cervos; Lopez

We say: Finland 0-0 Andorra

Both teams are in a state of depression at the moment and the visitors are difficult to break down, meaning the hosts could have another long night in store for them.

For data analysis of most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, please click here.

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