Harry Kane netted a brace as England dominated Latvia 5-0 on Tuesday, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal had to wait to confirm their qualification after a 2-2 draw with Hungary.
In other matches, Italy’s crucial victory over Israel was preceded by pro-Palestinian protests, and Spain moved closer to World Cup qualification with a commanding win against Bulgaria.
Under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance, England maintained a perfect record in Group K, winning all six matches to clinch the group with 18 points-seven clear of second-placed Albania-well before their final two games next month.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, followed by Kane’s clinical finish and a penalty conversion, putting England 3-0 up at halftime. Kane’s remarkable form continues, with 21 goals in 13 appearances this season across club and country.
Latvia’s Maksims Tonisevs inadvertently scored an own goal, and Eberechi Eze added a fifth for England, who can now eagerly anticipate the World Cup draw in December.
“Qualifying for a World Cup is a rare achievement, so the atmosphere is fantastic,” Tuchel remarked.
Portugal’s Qualification Hangs in Balance After Draw with Hungary
In European World Cup qualifying, the 12 group winners earn direct entry to the tournament, while runners-up advance to playoffs. Serbia remain just a point behind Albania after a resilient 3-1 victory over Andorra.
Guillaume Lopez stunned with a long-range strike from near the halfway line to give Andorra an early lead, but Serbia responded through an own goal by Christian Garcia, a header from Dusan Vlahovic, and a penalty by Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Portugal appeared set to seal top spot in Group F as they led Hungary 2-1 deep into stoppage time in Lisbon. Attila Szalai had put Hungary ahead with a header, but Ronaldo equalized with a precise finish from Nelson Semedo’s cross. Ronaldo then scored again from a Nuno Mendes assist just before halftime, marking his 143rd international goal in 225 matches-a new all-time record.
Ronaldo also extended his record for most goals in World Cup qualifiers to 41, surpassing Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39.
However, Hungary salvaged a late draw when Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai scored in injury time, leaving Portugal five points clear with two games remaining. Ireland remains mathematically in contention after Evan Ferguson’s header secured a 1-0 win over Armenia, who played with ten men following Tigran Barseghyan’s red card.
Pro-Palestinian Protests Mark Italy’s Win as Israel’s World Cup Hopes End
Before Italy’s crucial qualifier against Israel in Udine, tensions ran high as pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police, while thousands peacefully demonstrated against the match, which many felt should not have taken place amid ongoing conflict.
Calls have intensified for FIFA to ban Israel from international competitions following the country’s prolonged military operations in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Heightened security surrounded the Bluenergy Stadium, where Italy secured a 3-0 victory, effectively ending Israel’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Italy, eager to return to the World Cup after missing the last two tournaments, saw Mateo Retegui score a penalty in stoppage time of the first half and later add a spectacular goal in the 74th minute. Gianluca Mancini sealed the win with a late header.
With this result, Italy is guaranteed at least second place in Group I and trails leaders Norway by three points with two matches remaining. The two sides will face off next month, with Norway’s superior goal difference keeping them favorites to top the group. Meanwhile, Estonia and Moldova played out a 1-1 draw in the same group.
Spain, reigning European champions, remain unbeaten in Group E with four wins from four after a dominant 4-0 triumph over Bulgaria in Valladolid.
Mikel Merino scored twice with headers, bringing his qualifying tally to six goals in four games. Bulgaria’s Atanas Chernev contributed an own goal, and Mikel Oyarzabal converted a late penalty to complete the scoring.
“We’re close to securing our World Cup spot, but it’s not over yet. I hope we keep this momentum going,” Merino told Spanish media.
Spain now leads the group by three points over Turkiye, who defeated Georgia 4-1 at home, with Merih Demiral scoring twice and Kenan Yildiz and Yunus Akgun also on the scoresheet.
