Overview
- Paris saw Kylian Mbappé score a penalty and a second goal as Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitiké added strikes to seal France’s qualification.
- France tops Group D on 13 points and joins England as the only European sides already assured of spots at the 2026 tournament in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
- Portugal slipped 2-0 to Ireland in Dublin, with Cristiano Ronaldo sent off, putting its direct path at risk ahead of a finale against Armenia.
- Italy beat Moldova 2-0 but Norway’s 4-1 win over Estonia means the Azzurri would need an eight-goal victory over Norway to avoid the UEFA playoff.
- In Africa, Cameroon was eliminated after a 1-0 playoff loss to Congo, while Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Gabon set up a meeting with Congo for the region’s final berth.