#2026-world-cup-qualifiers

#2026-world-cup-qualifiers

Spain have reacted impressively since their penalty shootout loss to Portugal in June's UEFA Nations League final. Luis de la Fuente's side opened their World Cup qualifying journey with a commanding 3-0 win over Bulgaria away from home, followed by a 6-0 thrashing of Turkey in their second September fixture. That momentum continued on Saturday, when they defeated Georgia 2-0 at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in Elche.

France will look to maintain their perfect record in Group D as they travel to face Iceland in Monday's 2026 World Cup qualifier. Didier Deschamps's team currently top the group with nine points from three games, while Iceland sit third - one point behind second-placed Ukraine in the chase for a play-off berth. Iceland began their qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over Azerbaijan but have since suffered back-to-back defeats:

Indonesia, coached by Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert, took a shock lead in Jeddah through a Kevin Diks penalty. Saudi Arabia levelled through Saleh Abu Al Shamat and Feras Albrikan made no mistake with a penalty of his own. Albrikan got a second and while Diks' second spot-kick of the game gave Indonesia hope, the hosts picked up a vital win.

"Neymar sustained a minor injury last week. This will be the final two matches of the qualifiers and it will be very demanding, so we need players in their prime conditions so we can perform at the highest level," manager Carlo Ancelotti said.