World Cup Qualification UEFA news

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.

We’ve got three Northern Ireland vs Germany predictions for this big World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park on Monday, 13 October.

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.

It’s time for our Netherlands vs Finland predictions as they aim to take a step closer to the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, 12 October.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma both attended the inauguration of the new museum of football at Coverciano on Wednesday. Gattuso was meant to donate the boots he wore in the 2006 World Cup final win over France but revealed that his mother refused to give them up.

Germany made it back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins in routine fashion as they battered minnows Luxembourg in Sinsheim on Friday night. Goals from David Raum, Serge Gnabry and a Joshua Kimmich brace capped a dominant performance from Julian Nagelsmann's side as they eased past their visitors, who were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half to compound a miserable evening.

Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.

Our expert offers his best Scotland vs Belarus predictions and betting tips for this Group C 2026 World Cup qualifier on Sunday night.

We have three Portugal vs Republic of Ireland predictions for this World Cup Qualifier on Saturday, 11th October.

We’ve got three Spain vs Georgia predictions for this World Cup qualifier in Group E on Saturday, 11 October.

Ansu Fati’s explosive start to life at Monaco has reignited hopes of a Spain comeback. The Barcelona loanee has rediscovered his scoring touch in Ligue 1, netting six goals in five games. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has now confirmed that the 22-year-old forward is “on their radar” ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Declan Rice has explained how Arsenal and England are benefitting from his new role that led to him "enjoying" football. The midfielder looked every inch the leader England needed as he wore the captain’s armband in Thursday night’s 3–0 demolition of Wales at Wembley. With Harry Kane sidelined through injury, the 26-year-old Arsenal powerhouse stepped up, dictating play, barking orders, and driving the Three Lions forward with authority and composure.

Florian Wirtz is said to be "having an awful time" at Liverpool, but the £117 million ($157m) signing has been backed to come good and "adjust to his new life off the pitch". The 22-year-old German sensation, once billed as Europe's next big thing, has failed to deliver a single goal or assist in nine appearances across all competitions for the Reds. His ordinary displays have left fans seething and many are questioning whether the Bundesliga prodigy was worth such a jaw-dropping fee.