(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
England, Portugal, and Norway Move Closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification
October 9, 2025
PARIS: The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up across Europe as England, Portugal, and Norway edge closer to sealing their spots at next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With only a few matches remaining, these footballing powerhouses are poised to secure qualification — while some giants like Italy risk missing out yet again.
🏴 England Dominant Under Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel’s England have been unstoppable in qualifying so far. The Three Lions have won all five of their matches without conceding a single goal — including a stunning 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade last month.
Currently leading Group K by seven points with three games to go, England could book their World Cup ticket as early as Tuesday, if they defeat Latvia in Riga and Serbia fail to beat Albania this weekend.
Interestingly, Tuchel opted to rest big names such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish, choosing instead to reward the players who impressed in September’s camp.
“Keep on pushing,” Tuchel said. “This was our best camp yet for team spirit and hard work. We want to keep building on that.”
England will face Wales in a friendly on Thursday before their crucial qualifier next week.
🇵🇹 Portugal on the Verge of Qualification
Portugal, led by manager Roberto Martinez, are also in a commanding position in Group F. After scoring eight goals in their last two matches, they could secure qualification with wins against Ireland and Hungary this international break — unless Armenia pull off back-to-back victories against both.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations, scoring three times in September, including one in Portugal’s thrilling 3-2 win over Hungary.
With a place at their seventh consecutive World Cup within reach, Portugal are once again proving their dominance in European football.
🇳🇴 Norway on the Brink of a Dream Return
Norway are just one win away from qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998. The Nordic nation has been in explosive form, netting 24 goals in five matches and winning every qualifier so far.
Erling Haaland, the team’s superstar striker, has been sensational — already scoring nine goals, including five in their record-breaking 11-1 thrashing of Moldova.
A win over Israel on Saturday could officially end their long World Cup drought, provided Italy fail to win both of their games against Estonia and Israel.
However, Norway will have to cope without captain Martin Ødegaard, who suffered a knee injury playing for Arsenal.
“We lost our captain and that hurts,” said coach Ståle Solbakken. “But we must stay positive and keep pushing forward.”
🇮🇹 Italy Facing Another World Cup Nightmare
For Italy, the pressure couldn’t be higher. The four-time world champions are in danger of missing a third consecutive World Cup, having failed to qualify for both 2018 and 2022 after shocking playoff defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia.
To stay alive, they must secure strong results in the next two matches. Anything less could trigger another national football crisis.
🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇭🇷 Croatia Also Closing In
France, Spain, Croatia, and Switzerland could also confirm their qualification in the coming days.
France, led by Kylian Mbappé, will qualify if they defeat Azerbaijan and Iceland, provided Iceland draw with Ukraine.
Spain, the reigning European champions, must win against Georgia and Bulgaria, though they also depend on other results in Group E.
Meanwhile, Germany, who suffered a shock defeat to Slovakia earlier in the campaign, face Luxembourg on Friday and Northern Ireland on Monday — needing wins in both to stay in contention.
⚽ Countdown to North America 2026
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, the battle for qualification is intensifying. For England, Portugal, and Norway, it’s almost mission accomplished. For Italy, however, the fight to avoid another heartbreak is only just beginning.
