Qualifiers Ignite: Portugal, France, and England Storm to 2026 World Cup as Playoff Battles Rage
Published Date: 16th Nov, 2025
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to be the largest ever with 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the United States—has hit full throttle. On November 16, 2025, Europe delivered another night of high-stakes drama, with Portugal and France joining England and Croatia as the latest nations to secure automatic qualification. Meanwhile, Africa’s playoff semifinals loom, Asia’s final spot hangs in the balance, and underdogs continue to defy the odds.
Ronaldo’s Emotional Double Seals Portugal’s Fate
At the Estádio da Luz, the script was written in legend. Cristiano Ronaldo, playing what may be his final World Cup qualifying campaign at age 40, scored twice in Portugal’s commanding 4-1 victory over Ireland. The goals—his 133rd and 134th for the national team—clinched top spot in Group F and guaranteed a place in the finals.
“I want to be there,” Ronaldo said post-match, voice cracking. “One more time, with these people.” The win capped a near-perfect campaign: seven victories from eight, 24 goals scored, just four conceded. Ireland, left heartbroken, now head to the March playoffs.
Mbappé and France Cruise, England Stay Perfect
Earlier in the evening, Kylian Mbappé reminded the world why France remain favorites. His brace powered a 4-0 rout of Ukraine, completing an unbeaten run through Group B. Didier Deschamps’ squad finished with 22 points and a goal difference of +25—clinical, composed, and already eyeing a third star.
Across the Channel, England maintained their flawless record with a 2-0 win over Serbia. Harry Kane converted from the spot, Cole Palmer added a curling beauty, and Gareth Southgate’s side became the only team in UEFA qualifying with a 100% record—24 points from 24.
Haaland’s Norway on Knife-Edge, Italy Lurks
Erling Haaland continues his one-man demolition of defenses, bagging two more in Norway’s 4-1 thrashing of Estonia. His 14 goals in seven games have carried the Scandinavians to 18 points—but Italy, three behind with a game in hand against San Marino on Tuesday, could still snatch the automatic spot.
European Underdog Uprising
Saturday’s results were a testament to qualifying’s unpredictability:
- Kazakhstan held Belgium to a 1-1 draw, keeping Wales alive
- Belarus fought back for a 2-2 against Denmark, giving Scotland a lifeline
- Bosnia stunned Romania 2-1, delaying Austria’s celebration
Spain, meanwhile, crushed Georgia 4-0 to lock in their berth, while Croatia quietly dispatched the Faroe Islands to confirm theirs.
Africa: Four Giants, One Survival Spot
With nine teams already qualified—Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia—Africa’s final berth comes down to Thursday’s playoff semifinals in Morocco:
- Nigeria vs. Gabon
- Cameroon vs. DR Congo
The winner advances to the intercontinental repechage in March, facing Bolivia and New Caledonia for one last ticket.
CONMEBOL, Asia, and CONCACAF Updates
South America’s marathon round-robin is complete: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay qualified directly, with Bolivia earning the playoff slot.
Asia has eight teams in—Iran, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—with Iraq and UAE battling Tuesday for the final direct spot.
In CONCACAF, the hosts (Canada, Mexico, USA) are in. The third round intensifies this window, with Jamaica, Honduras, and dark horses like Suriname pushing for the three available berths.
The Countdown to Tuesday
With 32 teams now qualified, the final European matchday on November 19 will decide up to 11 more automatic spots. Playoffs follow in March.
Key fixtures to watch (all 20:45 CET):
- Norway vs. San Marino
- Italy vs. San Marino
- Wales vs. Liechtenstein
- Belgium vs. Kazakhstan
The World Cup dream is alive for dozens—and for a few, it ends Tuesday. The beautiful game, as always, delivers no mercy.
Date: 16th Nov, 2025
