Overview
- Portugal will secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ireland in Dublin today.
- France and Spain are positioned to confirm their places, with Spain able to clinch in Tbilisi if it gets a result against Georgia and Turkey do not win.
- Italy do not control their destiny as Norway qualify with victory over Estonia if Italy fail to beat Moldova, and Norway hold a significant goal‑difference advantage.
- The UAE hosted Iraq in the Asian playoff first leg at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium with reported attendance exceeding 35,000, the Iraqi FA said 2,134 tickets were allocated to its supporters, and the hosts were without forward Fábio Lima through injury.
- South Africa announced a preliminary intent to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics, describing the step as exploratory and signaling ongoing dialogue with the IOC.