Portugal Rocked, England Cruise, as Qualifiers Heat Up

Last night sharpened the edges of the European race for automatic World Cup places. The rule stays brutally simple. Only group winners qualify directly for 2026.

Everyone else must enter the playoff maze where one mistake can end a campaign.

England and France remain the only sides already safe. England's calm 2-0 win over Serbia showed again that they can approach the final fixtures with freedom. France’s commanding 4-0 victory over Ukraine was the final step that confirmed their passage.

Elsewhere the night delivered twists. Norway swept aside Estonia 4-1 to stay in control at the top, but the real test now lies away to Italy. Win in Rome and they move to the brink of a first World Cup since the nineties. Lose and their advantage disappears.

Dublin delivered the biggest shock. Ireland beat Portugal 2-0, denying the Portuguese another chance to seal first place. Now they must respond at home against Armenia.

The closing weekend, shaped by Hungary's clash with Ireland, could still drag Portugal into danger if they drop more points.

Albania's 1-0 win over Andorra boosted their playoff security, freeing up the spotlight for the major automatic chasers. Belgium still face a demanding trip to Kazakhstan before a soft landing at home to Liechtenstein.

The Netherlands must survive Poland away before a more comfortable finish against Lithuania. Spain, Austria, and Switzerland also face decisive double headers where a single upset could flip the standings.

By the end of this international window, the table will show who absorbed the pressure and who has been pushed toward the uncertainties of the playoff path.