England, Portugal, and Norway are closing in on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with decisive fixtures ahead that could confirm their tickets to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Thomas Tuchel’s England have been dominant in Group K, scoring freely and keeping clean sheets throughout their campaign. The Three Lions thrashed Serbia 5–0 in Belgrade last month, extending their unbeaten run to five qualifiers without conceding a goal.
A win over Latvia in Riga on Tuesday could seal England’s qualification, provided Serbia fail to defeat Albania on Saturday. Tuchel has kept faith with his September squad, omitting Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish to reward team chemistry.
“It’s about consistency,” Tuchel said. “We decided to invite the same group of players to make more stable what we built on.”
In Group F, Portugal are also on the brink of qualification after scoring eight goals in their first two September fixtures. Roberto Martinez’s side can book their spot with victories over the Republic of Ireland and Hungary, unless Armenia spring an upset in their own matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s campaign, netting three goals last month, including one in a dramatic 3–2 win over Hungary.
Meanwhile, Norway, inspired by Erling Haaland’s blistering form, could return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Haaland has scored nine goals in qualifying, including five in an 11–1 rout of Moldova.
Victory against Israel on Saturday would secure Norway’s qualification — if Italy drop points against either Estonia or Israel. Coach Ståle Solbakken, however, will be without captain Martin Ødegaard, who suffered a knee injury for Arsenal.
Four-time world champions Italy face growing pressure to avoid a third consecutive World Cup absence after their past playoff heartbreaks. France, Spain, Croatia, and Switzerland also have a chance to secure early qualification, while Germany must recover quickly after their shock defeat to Slovakia.
With only a few games left, Europe’s heavyweights are racing to book their seats for the 2026 global showpiece
