Italy’s Gattuso calls out ‘unfair’ World Cup qualifiers
Is World Cup qualifying fair across all regions? Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso certainly doesn’t think so, and his frustration has reignited a fierce debate about global qualification pathways.
Germany and Netherlands dominate to clinch World Cup spots
Germany and Netherlands went on goal sprees as they wrapped up World Cup qualification with resounding wins in their last European group matches on Monday.
Clubless Tomiyasu still in Japan’s plans
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu says former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu’s lack of a club won’t affect his World Cup chances as long as he stays match-ready.
DR Congo ends Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in penalty shootout
Democratic Republic of Congo ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a penalty shootout victory in the African play-offs final on Sunday.
Hakimi, Osimhen, Salah shortlisted for top African award
Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, Nigerian Victor Osimhen and Egyptian Mohamed Salah were shortlisted on Sunday for the 2025 African men’s player of the year award, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.
Norway rout Italy to seal long-awaited World Cup return
Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Perfect England seal record campaign with Kane double
Harry Kane put the seal on flawless England’s record-setting finish to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a late double in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania.
Portugal thrash Armenia to clinch World Cup spot
Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves both scored a hat-trick as Roberto Martinez’s side racked up a huge win in Porto to top Group F.
UEFA hit Marseille with partial stadium closure
UEFA have handed Marseille a partial stadium closure punishment over a series of incidents in their 1-0 defeat at home Atalanta in the Champions League, European football’s governing body announced on Saturday.
Tuchel focuses on team over England’s perfect record
Thomas Tuchel said records are not on his mind as he prepares England for their final World Cup qualifier against Albania on Sunday to round off a remarkable campaign.