World Cup Qualification UEFA news

England have been dealt a fresh blow to their attacking plans, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins forced to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after suffering a freak injury. The Three Lions were without all-time leading goal-scorer Harry Kane for a friendly date with Wales, as he nurses a knock of his own, with a selection headache being posed ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Ferran Torres has left the Spain squad due to a muscle complaint, ruling him out of the Bulgaria qualifier and severely deepening Barcelona's injury crisis ahead of the season's first El Clasico. The forward's setback, which follows an injury to Dani Olmo, leaves coach Hansi Flick with a major attacking headache before facing Real Madrid on October 26.

England captain Harry Kane has showcased that he isn't just good at football, as the Bayern Munich captain showed off his quarterbacking skills. Kane made an over the top pass to Eberechi Eze with his hands during a Three Lions training session, as the Arsenal star scored a 'touchdown'. England are set to take on Latvia up next in a crucial World Cup qualifier.

Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.

"We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else." If anyone was in any doubt as to whether England manager Thomas Tuchel planned to stick to his fairly unpopular selection policy with the World Cup fast approaching, those pointed words ahead of the friendly victory over Wales more or less confirmed it.

Manchester United were mocked over social media as Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine goalscoring form since leaving the club in the summer. The striker found the back of the net once again in Denmark’s World Cup-qualifying clash with Greece on Sunday evening, having also made a brilliant start to life with Serie A champions Napoli following his departure from Old Trafford in September.

England manager Thomas Tuchel would reportedly not be considered for the Manchester United job if Ruben Amorim is sacked at Old Trafford. Tuchel is 'fully expected' to see through his contract to after the 2026 World Cup, while the German was 'unimpressed' with the Red Devils' hiring process when he was previously contacted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains untouchable in his homeland as the Portuguese GOAT, with the all-time great being told that he has nothing to apologise for after missing a penalty against the Republic of Ireland. The Al-Nassr superstar fluffed his lines from 12 yards during a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keeping out his spot-kick before Ruben Neves snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

England can secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with two matches to spare if they beat Latvia on Tuesday, with Thomas Tuchel's side taking the trip at Daugava Stadium boasting a 100% record in their qualifying campaign thus far. Victory would secure the Three Lions' place at the tournament in North America next summer, while a draw would all-but seal qualification due to a superior goal difference over second-placed Albania.

There may soon be a new qualification process for the World Cup and European Championships, as UEFA are reportedly considering adopting a Champions League-style format to combat declining fan interest in the current qualifiers. The move to a league-style format would open the door for bigger games to take place, while smaller nations still get to enjoy lucrative clashes with big names. Using the Nations League as part of qualifying has also been considered.

Football fans from across the world have been showing their emotion after Ruben Neves' late winner for Portugal against Ireland. Neves' header in the 91st minute was not only his first for his country, but it also marked the first goal the Selecao had scored at home since the death of Diogo Jota, Neves’ best-friend and team-mate with Portugal and Wolves, in July.

Ruben Neves rose highest to nod in a late winner for Portugal to beat a resilient Irish defence 1-0 in Lisbon. The Portuguese midfielder was the hero for the hosts who had looked as if they would never beat the superb Caoimhin Kelleher in the Irish goal, particularly after their captain Cristiano Ronaldo had his penalty saved by the Brentford shot-stopper.

Spain maintained their 100% 2026 World Cup qualifying record as they eased to a 2-0 win over Georgia on Saturday night. Goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal either side of half time was enough to La Roja to make it three wins from three as they maintain their unstoppable march towards the World Cup. Spain dominated from the outset and many had expected the Euro 2024 winners to put up a big score.

Erling Haaland saved his blushes by scoring for Norway moments after having a penalty saved twice by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. The goal machine failed to convert from the spot initially, but Peretz was judged to have come off of his line and Haaland was allowed to retake. The striker fluffed his lines again and was made to look a fool, although that did not last long.

England defender Jarell Quansah has been forced to pull out of the England squad ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia after picking up an injury. The ex-Liverpool centre-back will now head back to his club Bayer Leverkusen, while manager Thomas Tuchel has decided not to name Quansah's replacement for their final game in the ongoing international break.

Rangers star Max Aarons has set his sights on an England call-up despite his domestic struggles as the 2026 World Cup looms. The 25-year-old right-back insists that representing the Three Lions is still the biggest ambition of his career, and he’s determined not to let his early issues in Glasgow derail that vision.

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly open to playing in a different position after thriving on Netherlands' duty. Fresh from a commanding display for the Dutch against Malta, the 24-year-old has shown that his football intelligence and adaptability make him one of the most complete players in Europe right now.