European World Cup Qualifying Highlights: Spain, England, France Shine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ European World Cup qualifying delivered drama and dominance, with Spain thrashing Turkey, England shining under Thomas Tuchel, and Kylian Mbappé guiding France through tight matches. Veteran icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić helped Portugal and Croatia start strong, while Erling Haaland’s five goals powered Norway past Moldova. Meanwhile, Germany and Italy struggled despite their pedigree, hinting at a tense path to 2026.
European Qualifiers — Quick Looks
- Spain: 6-0 win over Turkey, standout performance by Mikel Merino
- England: Tuchel’s team silences critics with 5-0 win in Serbia
- France: Mbappé goals secure wins vs. Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1)
- Portugal & Croatia: Ronaldo and Modrić help sides lead their groups
- Norway: Haaland scores five in 11-1 rout of Moldova
- Italy: Six points but controversy as coach Gattuso caught in heated clash
- Germany: Historic 2-0 loss at Slovakia, first-ever away qualifying defeat
- Switzerland: Strong start, Breel Embolo nets three in two games
- San Marino: Remote playoff hopes through Nations League route
- World Cup Draw: December 5 in Washington, with Italy or Germany possible as low-seed placeholders
Deep Look: Spain Dominates, England Emerges, Mbappé Guides France In World Cup Qualifying Drama
GENEVA — The opening round of European World Cup qualifying showcased familiar giants, surprising struggles, and standout performances across the continent. From Spain’s ruthless dominance to England’s revival under Thomas Tuchel and Kylian Mbappé’s steady influence on France, the early games highlighted Europe’s complex road to the 2026 tournament.
Spain Still The Standard
Fresh off a Euro 2024 triumph, Spain looked every bit the continent’s strongest side. After a routine 3-0 win over Bulgaria, they demolished Turkey 6-0 in Istanbul — a venue where few visiting teams thrive.
Midfielder Mikel Merino scored a hat trick, while rising star Lamine Yamal, just 18, provided two assists. Coach Luis de la Fuente has crafted a youthful, balanced side that continues to evolve. Spain now heads into an October clash with Georgia and star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a fixture set to draw attention.
Tuchel’s England Makes A Statement
England’s 5-0 rout of Serbia in Belgrade answered doubts about the team’s attacking spark. Critics questioned whether Tuchel, a German tactician, could get the best out of England’s stars.
But this emphatic win, featuring fluid combinations between Noni Madueke, Elliot Anderson, and Morgan Rogers, suggested otherwise.
Tuchel hailed it as “a statement victory against a difficult opponent in a difficult environment.”
After reaching the Euro 2024 final, England appears poised to turn dominance into trophies, with a blend of established names and promising youngsters.
France Survive Scares
France edged out Ukraine 2-0 before narrowly beating Iceland 2-1 in Paris, surviving a late equalizer overturned by VAR.
Captain Kylian Mbappé scored in both matches, lifting his tally to 52 goals for Les Bleus, now second only to Olivier Giroud’s 57.
Though not flawless, France showed resilience, and Mbappé’s consistency remains vital as Didier Deschamps’ squad chases another major title.
Veterans Still Shining
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead Portugal’s frontline, helping his nation start strong. Likewise, Croatia’s Luka Modrić, also 40, orchestrated his side’s early group success. Their longevity underscores the blend of youth and experience defining this qualifying campaign.
Norway’s Haaland Goes Wild
The result bolstered Norway’s goal difference in a group where Italy’s inconsistency could open doors. Goal difference may ultimately decide who advances directly or drops to the playoffs.
Italy’s Strange Week
Despite securing two wins and scoring 10 goals, Italy’s week was marred by controversy.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso was filmed yelling expletives at an Israeli player following a chaotic 5-4 victory over Israel. For a nation desperate to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup, tensions are already running high.
Germany Stumbles Early
Germany suffered its first-ever away qualifying defeat, falling 2-0 to Slovakia. The loss raises fears of the four-time champions being forced into the playoffs next March.
Slovakia, however, squandered a chance to boost their own prospects, managing only a 1-0 win over Luxembourg. With only group winners advancing directly, goal difference could haunt them.
Switzerland Flying Under Radar
Switzerland quietly impressed, defeating Kosovo 4-0 and Slovenia 3-0, with all seven goals scored before halftime.
Forward Breel Embolo netted three, while captain Granit Xhaka controlled midfield with authority. Trips to Sweden and Slovenia loom as key tests, but the Swiss look well-positioned to qualify.
San Marino’s Slim Hope
Ranked last in FIFA at No. 210, San Marino retains a slim chance of reaching the playoffs thanks to its Nations League group win.
For that to materialize, at least 10 of the top 13 Nations League teams must qualify directly or as runners-up. Realistically, stronger nations like Sweden, Romania, or Wales may block their path.
World Cup Draw Ahead
The World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington may feature placeholder slots since several playoff spots won’t be decided until March.
This means top seeds like Brazil, Argentina, and co-hosts USA and Canada could theoretically draw a playoff-winning Italy or Germany, both ranked inside FIFA’s top 12.
The expanded 48-team format, however, increases the odds of progression — with third-place finishers in many groups advancing to the knockout stage.
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