FK Vardar Skopje vs KuPS prediction 07.07.2026 | Champions League
Vardar
Kick off:
Date:
KuPS
1
2.28
X
3.47
2
2.79
Contents
- Competition: Champions League
- Date: July 7th, 2026
- Kick-off: 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
- Venue: Tose Proeski Arena
UCL qualification action takes place on Tuesday evening as North Macedonian hosts FK Vardar Skopje take on Finnish visitors KuPS.
The hosts face their first fixture of the new season while KuPS make the trip to Skopje after a superb win against HJK in their most recent Veikkausliiga fixture.
With KuPS already up to speed in their domestic season, and Vardar boasting a strong home record, a competitive first-leg contest should develop in Skopje.
FK Vardar Skopje and KuPS will meet for the first time on Tuesday.
FK Vardar Skopje team overview
FK Vardar Skopje return to Champions League qualification after an excellent domestic campaign in North Macedonia.
The Red-Blacks were crowned Macedonian champions in the 2025/26 season, securing their place in the first qualifying round of Europe’s top club competition.
Vardar warmed up for Tuesday’s fixture with a 3:2 friendly victory against SS Virtus. While that result should give the hosts some confidence, FK have yet to play a competitive fixture this season.
Cristian Fabbiani has some new faces available for Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier. Former Luxembourg international Gerson Rodrigues is among their most eye-catching additions.
The Red-Blacks have also added midfielder Miguel Pires from Sileks Kratovo and young goalkeeper Daniel Dikovski from AP Brera Strumica.
Last matches of Vardar
-
Vardar
3 : 0
Skendija 79
First League
-
Struga
0 : 1
Vardar
First League
-
Vardar
2 : 1
Sileks
First League
-
FK Bashkimi Kumanovo
0 : 2
Vardar
First League
-
Vardar
7 : 0
Tikves
First League
Vardar lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Davor Taleski
Defenders
-
2
Mihail Manevski
-
4
Darko Velkovski
-
5
Mislav Matic
-
3
Filip Najdovski
Midfielders
-
6
Boban Nikolov
-
7
David Babunski
-
8
Miguel Pires
Forwards
-
9
Goran Zakaric
-
10
Azer Omeragikj
-
11
Gerson Rodrigues
KuPS team overview
KuPS arrive in North Macedonia in high spirits after an impressive domestic victory last weekend.
Miika Nuutinen’s side claimed a superb 4:0 win at HJK in the Veikkausliiga, with Petteri Pennanen scoring twice before second-half goals from Jaime Moreno and Arttu Heinonen secured an excellent away win.
The Finnish champions are already deep into their domestic campaign, which could give them a physical advantage against a Vardar side still building towards peak match fitness.
Fifteen games into the Veikkausliiga season, KuPS sit top of the division, with eight wins and just one defeat recorded.
Head coach Nuutinen has no reported injury issues, and is likely to retain confidence in the same XI that eased past HJK.
Last matches of KuPS
-
HJK Helsinki
0 : 4
KuPS
Veikkausliiga
-
KuPS
4 : 3
FC Ilves
Veikkausliiga
-
TPS
1 : 2
KuPS
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
1 : 1
KuPS
Veikkausliiga
-
KuPS
4 : 5
VPS Vaasa
Finland Cup
KuPS lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Johannes Kreidl
Defenders
-
29
Akseli Puukko
-
28
Brahima Magassa
-
23
Arttu Lotjonen
-
25
Clinton Antwi
Midfielders
-
34
Otto Ruoppi
-
10
Valentin Gasc
-
8
Petteri Pennanen
Forwards
-
24
Bob Nii Armah
-
9
Gustav Engvall
-
11
Jaime Moreno
Prediction
A close contest seems likely in Skopje, but KuPS look well placed to avoid defeat.
KuPS double chance is my best bet on Tuesday.
Three Reasons Why We Expect KuPS to Win or Draw
- FK Vardar have not played competitively since May
- KuPS are unbeaten in their last 12 matches
- KuPS are unbeaten in 2 of their last 3 away European matches
Main prediction Vardar - KuPS
KuPS win or draw (X2)
