England secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup as the first European nation to qualify. The team’s 5-0 victory over Latvia, led by captain Harry Kane’s two goals, sealed their position at the top of their group with two games remaining. Under the guidance of coach Thomas Tuchel, England has maintained an impressive record of not conceding a single goal in six qualifying matches.
Italy, after a 3-0 win against Israel, secured at least a spot in the playoffs, a significant achievement following their absence in the last two World Cup editions. The match was marked by tension and a strong security presence due to a pro-Palestinian march. Meanwhile, Spain continued its dominant qualifying campaign with a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria, maintaining a perfect record in the group standings.
Tuchel’s influence on the England squad has been evident, with the team delivering strong performances despite facing relatively weaker opponents. The coach’s strategic decisions, such as excluding high-profile players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, have yielded positive results. The team’s recent 5-0 triumph showcased their growing confidence and efficiency on the field, with players like Anthony Gordon and Kane making significant contributions.
South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal secured their spots in the World Cup from Africa. South Africa’s victory over Rwanda, despite a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player, earned them a place in North America. Ivory Coast’s 3-0 win over Kenya ensured their automatic qualification, while Senegal’s 4-0 victory against Mauritania secured their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
Spain’s Mikel Merino shined with two goals in their 4-0 win over their opponents, maintaining a perfect record in the qualifying matches. Turkey, led by Merih Demiral’s brace, faces a challenge with a goal difference deficit to Spain. Italy’s Mateo Retegui also scored twice in their game, which saw heightened security measures due to protests around the stadium.
The qualifying matches continue to shape the lineup for the upcoming World Cup, with teams showcasing their strengths and determination on the road to the prestigious tournament.