Eight games continued the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday (13).
In the first three matches of the day, Hungary, Iceland, and Norway defeated Armenia (1 x 0), Azerbaijan (2 x 0), and Estonia (4 x 1), respectively.
Later, with England already secured in the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year, France and Portugal had the chance to stamp their passports.
Italy and Albania also took the field needing a win to keep dreaming of the 2026 World Cup.
See below a brief summary of the games and the situation of each team.
Even away from home, Albania secured the victory with Kristian Asllani, after a beautiful assist from Myrto Uzuni, in the second half.
With the result, Albania reached 14 points and secured second place in Group K, no longer able to be overtaken by Serbia (10 points) and thus going to the playoffs.
With 100% success, England was already qualified. Latvia (5 points) and Andorra, like Serbia, have no chances of going to the 2026 World Cup.
Playing at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Mbappé – from a penalty – opened the scoring for the two-time world champions at the start of the second half.
With the comfort of the lead, the French extended the score with Olise, Mbappé, and Ekitiké.
With 13 points, France secured first place in Group D, no longer able to be overtaken by Iceland and Ukraine – both with seven points.
In the last round, France will play a formality match visiting Azerbaijan, while Ukraine hosts Iceland needing a win, as they are behind in the standings due to a lower goal difference (+4 x -3).
Still in the first half, Saka gave the advantage to the 1966 world champions, and Eze closed the score in the last minute of the game, ensuring 100% success in the Qualifiers.
England leads Group K with 21 points and concludes its participation in the qualifiers visiting Albania, which secured a spot in the playoffs.
Ireland needed only 45 minutes to secure victory over Portugal with two goals from Parrott.
In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo’s expulsion – after VAR review – made the situation even more complicated for the Portuguese in the match.
Despite the defeat, Portugal remains the leader of Group F with 10 points. Hungary (8 points) and Ireland (7 points) follow. Armenia (3 points) is already eliminated.
In the last round, Portugal hosts Armenia and needs a simple victory to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. In case of a draw, the Portuguese will depend on the result of Hungary vs. Ireland.
Hungary and Ireland still dream of direct qualification for the World Cup.
The four-time world champion, Italy, continues to struggle to return to the World Cup – something that hasn’t happened since 2014.
When the “disastrous” draw seemed imminent, Dimarco crossed from the left, and Gianluca Mancini dived to head the ball into the corner and open the scoring.
In stoppage time, Esposito headed in Politano’s cross to extend the lead for the Azzurri.
With the result, Italy reached 18 points and continues dreaming of leading Group I – currently held by Norway (21 points).
Italy will host Norway at San Siro in the last round of the Qualifiers.
The problem is the goal difference favoring the Norwegians (29 x 12).
Israel (9 points), Estonia (4 points), and Moldova (1 point) complete the group.
AFC – Asia
Australia – South Korea – Iran – Japan – Jordan (debutant) – Uzbekistan (debutant) – Saudi Arabia – Qatar
CAF – Africa
Morocco – Tunisia – Algeria – Egypt – Ghana – Cape Verde (debutant) – South Africa – Senegal – Ivory Coast
Concacaf – Central and North America
Canada (host country) – United States (host country) – Mexico (host country)
Conmebol – South America
Argentina – Brazil – Colombia – Ecuador – Paraguay – Uruguay
Europe
England and France
OFC – Oceania
New Zealand
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.
FRANCK FIFE – AFP or licensors