Finland and Andorra face off in a friendly after exiting World Cup 2026 Qualifying. Get a full match preview, team news, injuries, predicted lineups, and what to expect as both teams regroup.
Finland vs Andorra: Friendly Match Preview After World Cup 2026 Qualifying Exit
Finland and Andorra will meet in an international friendly on Monday, November 17, just days after both nations saw their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup officially come to an end. With disappointment fresh for both sides, this fixture offers a chance to rebuild confidence, experiment tactically, and evaluate talent before turning focus toward future competitions.
A Chance to Reset After Qualification Disappointment
Finland entered their final qualifying match with slim—but still possible—hopes of reaching the UEFA playoffs. They needed to defeat Malta and hope for Poland to lose, but the scenario collapsed when they suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat in Helsinki. Instead of battling for a playoff place, Finland now finish third in Group G with nowhere higher to climb.
For a team that has been steadily rising in European football over the past decade, this result is a major setback. The hiring of Jacob Friis at the start of 2025 was meant to usher in a fresh chapter after former manager Markku Kanerva’s long and successful eight-year tenure. But under Friis, the Eagle-Owls have struggled to find momentum. In nine matches, Finland have lost five and won only three, casting doubt on whether the managerial change has been effective.
Still, Monday’s friendly offers a valuable opportunity to reshape the squad’s mindset and introduce new tactical ideas without the pressure of qualification points on the line.
A Historic Matchup With a Long Gap
Finland and Andorra have faced each other before, but only twice, and both meetings occurred more than two decades ago. Finland won both matches, something that gives the hosts a slight historical edge—but not one that carries much weight in the present era.
Andorra today represent a very different kind of challenge. Though they rarely win and remain one of Europe’s smallest footballing nations, they’ve developed into a disciplined, defensively organized side capable of frustrating even elite opponents.
Andorra’s Defensive Grit Shines Through Difficult Campaign
Andorra’s 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign was tough from start to finish. They will finish bottom of Group K without a single win, but their performances show they are far from pushovers.
The Tricolours earned respect throughout the campaign by keeping heavyweights honest. England defeated them only 1-0 and 2-0, far narrower margins than expected for such a mismatch. Andorra also fell 1-0 to Albania in their most recent qualifier, another sign that they remain competitive even when outmatched.
Conceding an average of two goals per game may not sound impressive, but given the strength of the opposition they faced, they displayed admirable resilience. Much of this solidity comes from coach Koldo Álvarez, who has shaped Andorra into a compact, structured unit that forces opponents to break them down through sustained pressure rather than individual brilliance.
This defensive mindset will likely be on full display against Finland, as Andorra aim to grind out a result and regain lost confidence.
Finland Adjusting to Life Without Teemu Pukki
One of the biggest storylines for Finland going into this friendly is the retirement of legendary striker Teemu Pukki from international football. The former Norwich City star leaves behind a legacy unmatched in Finnish football—he is the nation’s all-time leading scorer and a central figure in their rise to international relevance.
His absence creates a major question mark in the attack. Without Pukki’s experience, creativity, and finishing, Finland must develop new ways to break down defenses like Andorra’s.
Compounding the issue, Daniel Håkans is unavailable after undergoing surgery, removing another attacking option from the lineup. Coach Friis will be forced to rotate, test new combinations, and possibly give younger players more responsibility in the offensive third.
Team News and Probable Lineups
Finland enter the match with some structural stability but clear challenges in the attacking department. They are expected to field a balanced starting XI built around midfield creativity and defensive experience.
Finland possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Alho, Ivanov, Tenho, Koski, Lahteenmaki; Antman, Kairinen, Lod, Keskinen; Walta.
Veteran goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky remains the anchor of the team, while Robin Lod provides leadership and vision in midfield.
Andorra, meanwhile, bring a full-strength squad into the friendly. With no injuries or suspensions, Álvarez has the freedom to rotate or stick to his most trusted players. One question is whether defender Joel Guillen will return after being omitted from the last matchday squad despite serving a suspension.
Andorra possible starting lineup:
Gomes; Borra, Olivera, Llovera, Garcia, San Nicolas; Rosas, Babot, Rebes, Cervos; Lopez.
Moises San Nicolás, one of Andorra’s most experienced players, is expected to play a central role once again, supported by veteran Marc Vales.
What to Expect From the Match
Given the circumstances, both teams will likely approach the friendly with experimentation and development in mind. Finland will try to dominate possession, move the ball quickly, and test new attacking patterns in the post-Pukki era. Andorra will aim to remain compact, frustrate Finland, and search for counterattacking opportunities.
While Finland are clear favorites, Andorra’s defensive discipline ensures that this match may be closer than expected. For both sides, it’s not about qualification anymore—it’s about rebuilding, regaining confidence, and preparing for the next chapter.
