Overview
- Portugal clinched Group F with a 9–1 win over Armenia in Porto, featuring hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and João Neves and marking the nation’s second-biggest victory.
- Norway secured a direct World Cup berth by beating Italy 4–1 in Milan as Erling Haaland struck a late double to finish qualifying on 16 goals, equalling Robert Lewandowski’s record.
- Italy ended second in Group I on 18 points and must go through the March playoff tournament after surrendering a halftime lead against Norway.
- Ireland snatched the playoff spot with a 3–2 victory in Budapest, as Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with a 96th-minute winner that eliminated Hungary.
- The 16-team playoff draw is scheduled for 20 November in Zürich, with the decisive playoff ties to be played in March.