The final round of European World Cup qualifying before domestic football returns took place this evening, with a handful of more teams able to secure their place at next summer’s tournament.
England were in action against Latvia, knowing that victory would give them safe passage across the Atlantic Ocean, while fellow heavyweights Spain, Portugal and Italy were also involved.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co faced Hungary with a chance to qualify for the main tournament, the Italians hosted Israel and La Roja faced Bulgaria at home.
Read on to see how the best of the action unfolded across the continent.
Portugal fails
Portugal were denied early qualification for the 2026 World Cup after conceding a dramatic late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Hungary in Lisbon.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half brace appeared to have sealed victory for Roberto Martinez’s side, who created numerous chances and twice hit the woodwork through Ruben Dias and Bruno Fernandes.
Hungary, who had taken an early lead thanks to Attila Szalai’s header, continued to threaten on the counterattack, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai leading their attacks.
Their perseverance was finally rewarded until stoppage time when substitute Daniel Lukacs slipped in down the right and sent in a low cross which Szoboszlai struck to stun the hosts.
The result means Portugal remain top of Group F, five points ahead of Hungary, but must wait to secure their place at next summer’s tournament.
Spain on the road to victory
Spain claimed a dominant 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in Valladolid to maintain their perfect start to 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Mikel Merino was the star of the night, scoring twice with powerful headers either side of halftime.
The Arsenal midfielder opened the scoring in the first half after meeting Robin Le Normand’s cushioned header, before doubling Spain’s advantage with another well-timed run into the box to nod in Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross.
Spain’s third goal came midway through the second half when Aleix Garcia’s close-range shot was converted into his own net by defender Atanas Chernev.
The hosts completed the rout in stoppage time, as Merino was tripped in the box by Georgiev and Mikel Oyarzabal calmly sent the resulting penalty into the bottom right corner.
Italy holds no surprises
Italy secured their place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Israel in Udine.
The first half offered little entertainment until the final moments, when Mateo Retegui won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Baltaxa in the box.
The striker confidently sent his shot on goal into the top corner to give Gennaro Gattuso’s side a deserved lead before the break.
Retegui struck again in the second half, denying substitute Turiel possession before curling a superb finish into the corner from outside the area.
As the match entered stoppage time, defender Gianluca Mancini capped the performance with a header from a Federico Dimarco corner to make it 3-0.
The result leaves Italy three points behind group leaders Norway with two matches remaining, although the Norwegians have a much superior goal difference.
Gattuso’s side will next travel to Moldova knowing that, while automatic qualification may be difficult, their play-off place is now guaranteed.
Full World Cup qualifying results
Spain 4-0 Bulgaria
Türkiye 4-1 Georgia
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Armenia
Portugal 2-2 Hungary
Estonia 1-1 Moldova
Italy 3-0 Israel
Andorra 1-3 Serbia
Latvia 0-5 England
