#2026-world-cup-qualifying

#2026-world-cup-qualifying

Harry Kane has finally broken the deadlock for England in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier. In the final 15 minutes of a tense clash with Albania, the Three Lions skipper found the back of the net to send his country on their way to a perfect qualifying record. The Bayern Munich man saw the ball land on a plate for him from Bukayo Saka's cross, and the former Tottenham man made no mistake in finishing the chance.

Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick in the 96th minute to give the Republic of Ireland victory in Hungary as Heimir Hallgrimsson's side pipped their opponents to a 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off place. More to follow Hungary team vs Ireland Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai captained a Hungary side featuring fellow Reds player Milos Kerkez in defence. Marco Rossi rang two changes, bringing in midfielder Alex Toth and winger Daniel Lukacs for Callum Styles and Bendeguz Bolla.

With Craig Bellamy watching from the stands as he served a touchline ban, Wales unsurprisingly dictated proceedings in Vaduz. Nathan Broadhead had a goal disallowed by VAR in the first half, but clear-cut chances were few and far between for the visitors despite their dominance. But Jordan James finally broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, and his goal proved to be enough to keep Wales level on points with second-placed Macedonia in Group J.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, are unbeaten in five matches and have started qualifying in ruthless fashion, thrashing Armenia 5-0 before beating Hungary 3-2 in early September. Meanwhile, Ireland, under the management of Heimir Hallgrimsson, are winless in four and have so far picked up just one point in Group F following a 2-2 draw with Hungary and 2-1 defeat to Armenia.

The defeat means Sweden are at the bottom of Group B on one point from three games, while Switzerland edged closer to automatic qualification on nine points and Kosovo sit in second with four. Switzerland were more dominant in the first half but had to wait until the 65th minute to open the scoring, with Granit Xhaka firing in from the penalty spot after Djibril Sow was fouled by Alexander Bernhardsson.

Good evening and welcome to another Irish Independent live blog as Armenia host the Republic of Ireland in only the second Group F fixture of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. My name is Ultán Corcoran, and I will be keeping you updated as the action unfolds on the pitch. The Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium is the venue this evening as the Boys in Green travel to the Armenian capital of Yerevan.

Scotland managed to hold group favourites Denmark to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of 2026 World Cup qualifying and will be looking to make a statement of intent against Belarus. They failed to score against Denmark, but limited their opponents to just two shots on target in Copenhagen. Belarus will be looking to get their first points on the board after a humbling 4-0 defeat at the hands of Greece on matchday one,

We really missed him in the final stages. Generally, we are improving our team step by step. We have a very hard-working group. We've analysed 15 videos in the last three days. The players work tirelessly... they're incredibly hardworking and do whatever it takes on the pitch. Playing against Spain is an additional incentive for us, against the European champions at home.

Argentina and Lionel Messi will be hoping for another routine victory against Venezuela (Image credit: Getty Images) Watch Argentina vs Venezuela today as the South American sides face off in CONMEBOL qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina have already booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and currently leads the way in CONMEBOL qualifying. Lionel Scaloni's side will finish top of the pile,