The stage is set for Greece’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes as they take on Belarus and Denmark in Athens, hoping to send a strong message of intent in their pursuit of a maiden appearance at a major tournament since 2014.
The Greeks open their Group C account with two games at “Georgios Karaiskakis” Stadium, the first being against Belarus on Saturday 6 September and the second against the favourites to finish first, Denmark, on Tuesday 9 September (both games 4.45am AEST).
It marks the beginning of Group C’s matches in qualifying, which in addition to the aforementioned countries also features Scotland.
Ivan Jovanovic, the “Ethniki” coach, stressed in an interview published on the Greek football team’s YouTube channel that there is only one target for them: qualify for the World Cup.
“It’s a new challenge for us, and it will certainly take a lot of hard work to achieve it,” Jovanovic said in the interview earlier in the week.
“We must do everything we can to get off to a good start in the qualifiers. We will need a little more concentration, focus, and to make the most of the two or three days we have ahead of us to prepare.”
He praised the rise in match attendance that Greece has experienced in recent years, which has given important support to the team.
“Last year, we definitely had a very large fan presence at all our games, both the official matches and the friendlies in June. I believe the same will happen in the two World Cup qualifying games,” Jovanovic said.
“We are now used to playing in a stadium that is full. We feel their support, their desire to help us, and I hope that the evenings will be as enjoyable as the previous ones.”
Greece has not been at a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup, an absence that has been felt strongly by fans and players alike.
With a mix of players with years of experience alongside a talent crop of star youngsters, there is hope brewing that this campaign will finally see the “Ethniki” return once more to the biggest stage of international football.
