England qualify for 2026 World Cup after a stunning 5-0 victory over Latvia, becoming the first European nation to secure a spot at football’s most prestigious tournament. The win not only showcased England’s dominance under Thomas Tuchel but also marked a historic night across Europe, with Cristiano Ronaldo breaking yet another record as Portugal were held by Hungary in Lisbon.
England’s flawless performance in Riga was powered by captain Harry Kane, who scored twice to seal an unassailable lead in Group K. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring early, followed by Kane’s sharp finish and a well-taken penalty to make it 3-0 before halftime. Maksims Tonisevs’ own goal and Eberechi Eze’s composed strike in the second half rounded off a commanding performance.
With six wins out of six and 18 points, England have mathematically guaranteed the top spot in their group. Tuchel praised his team’s focus and spirit: “It comes rarely that you qualify for a World Cup, so the mood is very, very good,” he said.
Ronaldo Sets New World Cup Qualifying Record
While England celebrated, Cristiano Ronaldo made history in Lisbon. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward scored twice in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary, becoming the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals — surpassing Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record with 39.
Portugal looked set to secure their qualification after Ronaldo’s brace gave them a 2-1 lead, but Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai equalized in stoppage time for Hungary. The result means Portugal will have to wait a little longer to confirm their spot in the 2026 World Cup, though they remain firmly atop Group F.
Hungary’s Attila Szalai had earlier opened the scoring before Ronaldo turned in Nelson Semedo’s cross to equalize. Ronaldo then struck again from a Nuno Mendes assist before Szoboszlai’s late goal denied Portugal the win.
Despite the draw, Ronaldo’s performance drew widespread praise. He now has 143 goals in 225 international appearances, further extending his record as football’s all-time leading scorer in men’s internationals.
Italy Triumphs Amid Protests Against Israel
Elsewhere in Europe, Italy’s 3-0 victory over Israel in Udine was overshadowed by large pro-Palestinian protests outside the stadium. Demonstrators clashed with police ahead of the Group I fixture, while thousands more marched peacefully through the city, condemning the match’s staging amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
Inside the stadium, Italy focused on securing qualification after missing the last two World Cups. Mateo Retegui scored twice — a penalty just before halftime and a stunning strike in the 74th minute — while Gianluca Mancini added a late third goal to seal the win.
Italy’s victory ended Israel’s qualification hopes and boosted their own, leaving them just three points behind group leaders Norway with two games remaining. Estonia and Moldova drew 1-1 in the other Group I match.
Spain and Turkiye Close In on Qualification
Spain continued their strong form with a commanding 4-0 win over Bulgaria in Valladolid. Mikel Merino scored twice, while an own goal from Atanas Chernev and a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal completed the rout. The victory gives Spain four wins from four games and puts them three points clear at the top of Group E.
Turkiye, meanwhile, maintained pressure with a 4-1 victory over Georgia, featuring a brace from Merih Demiral and goals from Kenan Yildiz and Yunus Akgun. Both teams are now within touching distance of qualification.
A Night of Football Milestones and Political Undercurrents
Tuesday’s European qualifiers were about more than football — they reflected the intersections of sport, politics, and history. England’s early qualification signals stability and strength under Tuchel’s leadership, while Ronaldo’s continued brilliance at age 40 underscores his unmatched legacy in international football.
At the same time, Italy’s politically charged win and ongoing global debates around Israel’s participation highlight how deeply football remains intertwined with world affairs.
As Europe’s qualification campaign nears its conclusion, attention now turns to December’s draw — where England will be among the seeded favorites, Portugal are almost certain to join, and the rest of Europe battles for the remaining spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source:
Al Jazeera
