Overview
- Erling Haaland scored twice in a 4:1 win at San Siro as Norway sealed its first World Cup since 1998 with an 8‑from‑8 qualifying campaign and 16 goals for the striker.
- Italy finished second in Group I and must navigate the March play-offs, with the European play-off draw scheduled for November 20.
- Portugal crushed Armenia 9:1 in Porto to win Group F, with hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and João Neves delivering the nation’s second-biggest victory ever.
- Cristiano Ronaldo remained suspended after his red card against Ireland, and Portugal’s federation is reportedly seeking a reduced FIFA ban that could affect his group-stage availability.
- Ireland clinched a play-off spot by beating Hungary 3:2 in Budapest, as Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with a 96th-minute winner.