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France sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a 4–0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday, on an evening marked by sombre reflection as the nation commemorated a decade since the November 2015 Paris attacks.
The match at the Parc des Princes began with a minute’s silence honouring the 130 people killed in coordinated assaults across the capital, including one fatality near the Stade de France during a friendly between France and Germany.
Didier Deschamps, who was also in charge on that tragic night, said qualification brought “some smiles” despite the emotional backdrop. The forthcoming World Cup will be his final tournament before stepping down.
Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise, plus Hugo Ekitike’s first goal for his country, secured a decisive advantage over Iceland and Ukraine at the top of Group D. With France confirmed as group winners, Ukraine and Iceland will now face off on Sunday for a place in the play-offs next March ahead of the finals draw in Washington, DC, on 5 December.
Portugal, however, will have to wait before confirming their passage after a 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, where Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for violent conduct. Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half to stun the Euro 2016 champions, and Ronaldo’s dismissal for elbowing Dara O’Shea left his team with an insurmountable task.
The suspension could threaten the forward’s availability for the start of the World Cup, should Portugal qualify. Portugal remains on ten points, three ahead of Ireland and two above Hungary, who beat Armenia 1–0.
Norway must also be patient. Despite a convincing 4–1 win over Estonia, featuring quickfire braces from Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, their qualification hopes were put on hold when Italy struck late in Moldova.
Gianluca Mancini’s 88th-minute goal, followed by Pio Esposito’s stoppage-time finish, earned Italy a vital 2–0 win that keeps them within reach at the top of Group I. The sides meet in a decisive clash at the San Siro on Sunday, with Norway holding a superior head-to-head record after their 3–0 win in June.
Elsewhere, England, already assured of a place at the World Cup, recorded a routine 2–0 win over Serbia at Wembley thanks to goals from Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. Albania secured second place in Group K after edging Andorra 1–0.
