A clinical England led by captain Harry Kane – along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Senegal, Ivory Coast and South Africa – became the latest nation to book their tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Tuesday night’s fixtures across Europe, Asia and Africa confirmed their progress, marking decisive steps toward the 2026 showpiece event.
England Make It Look Easy
Thomas Tuchel’s England side cruised to qualification in emphatic fashion, dismantling Latvia 5-0 away in Riga to secure top spot in Group K with two games to spare. Kane led from the front with a brace, extending his England record tally of international goals to 76.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring with a precise finish midway through the first half, before Kane struck twice in quick succession — first punishing a defensive error, then converting from the penalty spot. A second-half own goal from Maksims Tonisevs and a late strike by substitute Eberechi Eze sealed England’s sixth win in as many matches, maintaining their perfect record of 18 goals scored and none conceded.
Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s intensity and focus, saying, “Six wins, six clean sheets — very happy. We’re on our way.” England will round off their qualifying campaign next month against Serbia and Albania.
Saudi Arabia Grind Out Goalless Draw to Progress
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia confirmed their World Cup berth with a gritty 0-0 draw against Iraq. Herve Renard’s men needed just a point to advance and held firm under late pressure, with goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi producing a stunning injury-time save to deny Hassan Abdulkareem’s curling free kick.
The result ensured Saudi Arabia topped Group B in Asia’s fourth qualifying round, edging Iraq on goals scored. It will be the Green Falcons’ seventh World Cup appearance since their debut in 1994. “It wasn’t easy a few months ago, but we did it,” said Renard, hailing the fans for their support.
Qatar Back for a Second Successive World Cup
Asian champions Qatar also punched their ticket to the finals with a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Doha. After a tense opening half, Boualem Khouki headed home Akram Afif’s pinpoint free kick early in the second period. Afif then turned provider again, setting up Pedro Miguel for Qatar’s second.
The hosts were reduced to ten men late on after Tarek Salman’s red card, and Sultan Adil pulled one back for the UAE deep into stoppage time, but Qatar held on. The victory put them top of Group A and ensured back-to-back World Cup appearances following their 2022 debut as hosts.
Senegal Storm Through in Style
African champions Senegal underlined their continental dominance with a commanding 4-0 win over Mauritania to clinch first place in their qualifying group. It was a statement performance from Aliou Cissé’s side, who have now secured qualification for their fourth World Cup after appearances in 2002, 2018, and 2022.
South Africa End 15-Year Wait
In another landmark result, South Africa sealed their first World Cup qualification since hosting the tournament in 2010. Bafana Bafana defeated Rwanda 3-0 in Johannesburg to top Group C and cap a memorable campaign. They edged out Nigeria, who must navigate a play-off, despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
Ivory Coast sealed their return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Kenya in their final qualifier. Led by captain Franck Kessié, who scored the opener, and a brilliant late strike from Amad Diallo, the “Elephants” ended their twelve-year absence. They join Senegal in proudly representing Africa on football’s biggest stage.