World Cup Qualification UEFA news

England have been dealt a blow ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers after Manchester City defender John Stones was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. The 31-year-old, who was back in the national setup for the first time under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, will now miss both fixtures against Andorra and Serbia. His absence continues a difficult run of fitness concerns.

England coach Thomas Tuchel has likened playing Andorra to chewing gum as the Three Lions prepare to face the minnows three months after their scrappy 1-0 win.

England coach Thomas Tuchel believes there is no reason why his team cannot replicate the success of the women's and under-21 sides and win a trophy.

Roberto Martinez says Portugal will carry the legacy of Diogo Jota into the 2026 World Cup as they aim to win the tournament for their late star.

England face Andorra this weekend and will do so at Villa Park instead of Wembley for a very simple reason.

Kylian Mbappe equalled Thierry Henry's scoring record for France as he netted against Ukraine on Friday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The Real Madrid star now has 51 international strikes to his name and is Les Bleus' second-highest goal-scorer of all-time, only behind former Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud.

Real Madrid star Arda Guler opened up on being compared to Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal as the young midfielder is preparing to take on Spain with Turkey in a 2026 World Cup qualifying game on Sunday. Twenty-year-old Guler, who joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2023, has finally established himself as a first-team starter under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Cristiano Ronaldo was less than impressed when a star-struck fan rushed over to take a selfie with him at Portugal's team hotel.

Cristiano Ronaldo was seen consoling an emotional Portugal mascot ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Armenia. One little boy, overwhelmed by the gravity of the occasion, broke into tears as he realised he was walking beside his idol.

Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has admitted that leaving Alexander Isak out of Friday’s 2-2 draw against Slovenia was purely down to caution. The striker, who shattered the British transfer record with his £125 million move to Liverpool on deadline day, has barely trained and hasn’t kicked a ball in competitive action since forcing his way out of Newcastle United this summer.

Thomas Tuchel believes that Marcus Rashford lacks the "wow" factor in an England shirt following the Three Lions' 2-0 win over Andorra.

Conor Bradley is looking forward to playing against his new Liverpool team-mate Florian Wirtz, as Northern Ireland are all set to clash against four-time world champions Germany in a 2026 World Cup qualifying game. Bradley spoke highly of Wirtz, while also claiming that he wants to make the German sensation's night difficult with a solid defensive display.

Sweden national team boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has provided a fitness update on new Liverpool signing Alexander Isak.

Following yet another turgid England display, the Three Lions' forwards have been urged to try and overhaul Harry Kane in the pecking order.

Christian Eriksen remains a free agent after leaving Manchester United, with the Danish midfielder training with Malmo to stay fit. The 33-year-old reportedly turned down Wrexham and has now been criticised by Thomas Gravesen, who called his decisions 'incomprehensible' and questioned whether he still has the ambition to play at the highest level.

Erling Haaland suffered a freak accident while on international duty with Norway that left the striker needing three stitches.

Lamine Yamal faced being left stranded in Turkey after Spain’s latest World Cup qualifying win, with the Barcelona star losing his passport.