#world-cup-qualifying

#world-cup-qualifying

Czechia have sacked coach Ivan Hasek following their humiliating 2-1 loss to the Faroe Islands in 2026 World Cup qualifying. Having not reached the World Cup finals since 2006, Czechia are second in Group L, trailing Croatia by three points having played a game more. Czechia are already sure of a play-off spot owing to their Nations League ranking. However, a stunning defeat to the Faroe Islands in Torshavn on Sunday left their hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread.

Already the leading scorer in international football, Ronaldo is now the all-time best for goals in World Cup qualifying, having netted 41 times in such matches in total. That takes him two clear of the previous joint-record holder, Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 goals in 47 qualifiers for Guatemala. Ronaldo's great rival, Lionel Messi (36), is third on the all-time list, while Ali Daei sits fourth with 35. Poland's Robert Lewandowski sits fifth on 33.

Image source, Getty Images Finn Azaz said Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan "lost his head" when he headbutted the Republic of Ireland midfielder in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Dublin. In the game's major flashpoint, Barseghyan was dismissed seven minutes into the second half after thrusting his head into Azaz's face as the players clashed on the sideline. With a numerical advantage, the Republic of Ireland eventually broke the deadlock on 70 minutes through Evan Ferguson's header, which earned them a vital first win in World Cup qualifying.

Sweden's faint hopes of qualifying for the World Cup were all-but extinguished as the 2018 quarter-finalists lost 1-0 against Kosovo in Stockholm. Fisnik Asllani fired a first-half effort that allowed the Kosovans to complete a remarkable double over their opponents and boost their own hopes of booking at least a playoff place. Sweden who featured 125m man Alexander Isak up front alongside Viktor Gyokeres remain rooted to the bottom of Group B on one point.

After defeating Venezuela in Miami on Friday, Argentina will aim to secure another victory on U.S. soil when they face Puerto Rico in a friendly on Tuesday. The fixture has been postponed by a day from its original date and moved from Chicago's Soldier Field to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Puerto Rico have not played since June, when they wrapped up their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

I didn't mean any disrespect. I said it may not be beautiful to watch but the more important topic, the key topic I mentioned is they do it really well. They play long balls with an idea. They have a special mood in the team and I also mentioned it's very difficult to beat this team, they don't concede many goals and they create a lot of chances by set-pieces.

As he looks to become the first Northern Ireland manager to take the country to a World Cup since Billy Bingham at Mexico 86, Michael O'Neill will emulate the man who gave him his international debut in a different way on Monday night. In the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Germany at Windsor Park, O'Neill will become only the second man to take charge of the national side 100 times.

Missing out on the chance to skyrocket their way to the top of the Group A standings, the Falcons will know the importance of immediately dusting themselves down. Nevertheless, getting their World Cup qualifying campaign underway with a famous 2-0 victory at home against European icons Germany, Francesco Calzona's side have put six points on the board from their first three qualifying appearances.

You can watchDenmark vs Greece for free in the Republic of Ireland through Virgin Media, or in Greece through Alpha TV. Viewers in Ireland will find the game on terrestrial TV on Virgin Media Two, with a free live stream on the Virgin Media Play website. In Greece, the is with public broadcaster Alpha TV and streaming live on the Alpha TV website. Geo-restrictions apply, so you'll need a VPN to access your home coverage while abroad more on that below.

We might be in the midst of the men's international break, but the WSL remains in full swing. All 12 teams are in action today, with four games kicking off at 12pm BST. Chelsea v Tottenham (12pm BST) London City Lionesses v West Ham (12pm BST) Aston Villa v Leicester City (12pm BST) Everton v Manchester United (12pm BST) Arsenal v Brighton (2:30pm BST) Liverpool v Manchester City (4:45pm BST)

In the first half, even as the U.S. controlled the tempo (64.4% vs. 35.6% possession), it was Ecuador that controlled a key area. They made more of the little plays that mattered. That ability is in line with their recent history. They are a side that have ridden defensive solidity, excellent goalkeeping when needed, and an opportunistic attack to finish second in World Cup qualifying behind reigning champions Argentina.