England and Portugal are within touching distance of securing places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, each standing atop their respective qualifying groups with two matches remaining. Meanwhile, Norway could be one win away from ending a 28-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
🇬🇧 England on the Brink
Thomas Tuchel’s England have dominated their qualifying campaign, remaining unbeaten and yet to concede a goal after five matches. Their emphatic 5–0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade last month underlined their status as Group K leaders.
England, who currently hold a seven-point lead over Albania with three games to play, could book their ticket to the World Cup with a win over Latvia in Riga on Tuesday — provided Serbia fail to beat Albania on Saturday.
Tuchel praised his squad’s consistency, noting that lesser-known players seized their opportunity in the Serbia match, prompting him to omit stars Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish from his latest squad.
“Keep on pushing,” Tuchel told reporters. “This decision is about maintaining the best team spirit and stability from the last camp.”
Serbia’s upcoming clash with Albania could prove decisive in determining who finishes second and heads to the play-offs.
🇵🇹 Portugal in Command
Portugal are also on course for early qualification, having scored eight goals across their last two fixtures in September. Roberto Martinez’s side could seal Group F top spot with victories over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and Hungary on Tuesday — unless Armenia win both their matches against those same opponents.
Cristiano Ronaldo has already scored three times in September, including a key goal in Portugal’s 3–2 win over Hungary in Budapest, with João Cancelo netting a dramatic late winner.
Portugal are seeking their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.
🇳🇴 Norway Eye Long-Awaited Return
Norway, led by Erling Haaland, are closing in on their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The team has scored a stunning 24 goals in five consecutive wins, with Haaland netting nine — including five in an 11–1 demolition of Moldova.
Victory over Israel on Saturday could guarantee Norway’s qualification, provided Italy fail to beat either Estonia or Israel in Group I.
However, Norway will be without captain Martin Ødegaard, who sustained a knee injury while playing for Arsenal last weekend.
“We lost our captain, and we have to live with that,” coach Ståle Solbakken said. “Of course, you get angry and upset, but you must quickly focus on what’s next.”
🇮🇹 Pressure Mounts on Italy
Four-time world champions Italy are battling to avoid a third consecutive World Cup absence after missing out in 2018 and 2022 via the play-offs. Their results against Estonia and Israel will likely decide their fate.
Elsewhere, France, Spain, Croatia, and Switzerland could also secure qualification during the current international window.
Meanwhile, Germany face a tougher path after a surprise defeat to Slovakia in their opening qualifier. Julian Nagelsmann’s men will seek redemption when they face Luxembourg on Friday and Northern Ireland three days later.
