🇬🇧 Northern Ireland Make Statement in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The World Cup 2026 qualifiers delivered dramatic results across Europe. Northern Ireland secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Slovakia to stay in contention.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé inspired France to a comfortable win over Azerbaijan. Additionally, Joshua Kimmich scored twice as Germany cruised past Luxembourg.
“It was a great moment. The keeper came out and I just had to guide it in. Most importantly, we got the three points,” said Hume.
Captain Conor Bradley was heavily involved in the first goal. He initiated the attacking move that led to an own goal from Slovakia. However, his late yellow card means he will miss the next game against Germany.
As a result, Northern Ireland now sit level on six points with Slovakia and Germany in Group A after three matches.
🇩🇪 Germany Thrash Luxembourg as Kimmich Stars in World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Germany put on a clinical display in a 4-0 win over 10-man Luxembourg. David Raum opened the scoring with a free-kick. Soon after, Joshua Kimmich converted a penalty following a handball by Dirk Carlson, who was then sent off.
Early in the second half, Serge Gnabry made it 3-0. Just minutes later, Kimmich added his second to seal the victory.
Thanks to this result, Germany now top Group A on goal difference.
🇲🇰 North Macedonia Hold Belgium in Qualification Battle
North Macedonia delivered a disciplined defensive performance to hold Belgium to a 0-0 draw in Group J. Belgium pushed hard, with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne creating several chances.
Even so, North Macedonia held firm. Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made key saves to deny the hosts throughout the match.
With this draw, North Macedonia stay top of the group with 12 points from six games. They sit one point ahead of Belgium and two ahead of Wales.
🇫🇷 Mbappé Leads France to Victory in World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Kylian Mbappé was instrumental as France beat Azerbaijan 3-0 in Group D. The Real Madrid forward scored just before half-time and later assisted Adrien Rabiot for the second goal. Substitute Florian Thauvin added a third late on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMKK_RRvHPQ
Despite the win, coach Didier Deschamps was not impressed by his team’s first-half effort.
“We got the result we wanted, but our rhythm was far too slow. We need to be sharper,” he said.
France now have nine points from three matches. A win against Iceland in their next match would secure qualification.
🇺🇦 Ukraine Edge Iceland in Eight-Goal Thriller
Ukraine came out on top in a stunning 5-3 match against Iceland in Reykjavik. After taking a 3-1 lead, they were pulled back to 3-3.
However, late goals from Ivan Kalyuzhnyi and Oleh Ocheretko sealed the win. With this result, Ukraine move into second place in Group D. In contrast, Azerbaijan remain bottom with just one point.
🇨🇭 Switzerland Dominate Sweden to Stay Perfect
Switzerland extended their perfect start in Group B with a 2-0 away win over Sweden. Granit Xhaka converted a penalty in the 65th minute after Djibril Sow was fouled. In stoppage time, Johan Manzabi’s deflected shot added a second.
Sweden had chances. Alexander Isak hit the post, and Lucas Bergvall missed an open opportunity. However, they couldn’t capitalize.
Now, Switzerland sit top of the group with nine points from three games. Sweden, on the other hand, are bottom with just one point.
