France Qualify for 2026 World Cup; Ronaldo Sees Red as Portugal Stumble; Italy Delay Norway’s Ticket

France became the latest team to book a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 win over Ukraine in an emotional night at the Parc des Princes. The match marked 10 years since the 2015 Paris attacks, with a minute’s silence observed before kickoff.

Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Hugo Ekitike sealed France’s qualification. With Didier Deschamps set to step down after the 2026 World Cup, the coach said the team was proud to deliver joy “given the context tonight.”

France now sit six points clear of Iceland and Ukraine in Group D, ensuring top spot. Iceland and Ukraine will clash on Sunday to fight for a place in the playoffs.

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Ronaldo Sent Off as Portugal Fall 0-2 to Ireland

In Group F, Portugal missed the chance to seal their qualification after a shock 2-0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.
Ireland's Troy Parrott scored twice before halftime.

The biggest moment came when Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, was shown a straight red card for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea. After a VAR review, the yellow was upgraded to red, leaving Ronaldo sarcastically clapping at the crowd as he walked off.

This was Ronaldo’s first red card in international football, coming in his 225th appearance.

Portugal remain on 10 points, three clear of Ireland and two ahead of Hungary.
Ronaldo now faces a suspension that could potentially carry over to the World Cup opener if Portugal qualify.

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Italy’s Late Heroics Make Norway Wait

Norway, powered by a brace each from Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, defeated Estonia 4-1 and briefly celebrated what seemed like qualification.

But later in the night, Italy scored twice late against Moldova — goals from Gianluca Mancini and Pio Esposito — to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive.

Norway top Group I by three points, but Italy’s win sets up a blockbuster decider on Sunday at the San Siro.
Norway have a strong head-to-head advantage after beating Italy 3-0 in June.

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England Cruise; Albania Seal Second Place

In Group K, already-qualified England eased past Serbia 2-0 at Wembley with goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.

Albania defeated Andorra 1-0, securing second place in the group.