England secured their place in the 2026 World Cup as the first European country to qualify, following a commanding 5-0 victory over Latvia. Captain Harry Kane led the charge with two goals in the first half, helping his team clinch the top spot in their group with two games to spare. Under the guidance of German coach Thomas Tuchel, England has kept a clean sheet in all six qualifying matches so far.
Italy, aiming to bounce back after missing the last two World Cups, booked a spot in the playoffs by defeating Israel 3-0 amidst heightened security measures. The tension-filled match took place against the backdrop of a pro-Palestinian march, drawing a significant crowd. Despite the high-risk classification, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza provided a temporary reprieve.
Spain maintained its lead in the group with a convincing 4-0 win over Bulgaria, retaining a perfect record in the qualifiers. Turkey also secured a vital victory, defeating Georgia 4-1 and positioning themselves well for a playoff spot.
In a display of tactical prowess, Tuchel has molded the English team with his unique style, gaining praise and potentially silencing critics advocating for a local coach. Notable decisions such as omitting star players and addressing fan engagement have yielded positive outcomes, albeit against moderate competition.
South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal joined the World Cup qualifiers from Africa, with South Africa overcoming Rwanda 3-0 to secure a spot in North America. Despite a points deduction, Nigeria finished second in their group, setting up a playoff scenario. Ivory Coast also secured direct qualification after defeating Kenya 3-0, while Senegal topped their group to secure a third consecutive World Cup appearance.
In Spain’s dominant performance, Mikel Merino netted twice in a 4-0 victory, maintaining their flawless record and solidifying their defense. Turkey faces an uphill battle with both points and goal difference to bridge the gap with Spain, with Merih Demiral’s brace against Georgia not proving sufficient.
Italy’s Mateo Retegui also scored twice in a match overshadowed by heavy security measures, including snipers stationed at the Stadio Friuli. Despite limited ticket sales and minor disturbances, the game proceeded without major incidents.
