Overview
- Portugal sealed qualification with a 9-1 win over Armenia, while Norway beat Italy 4-1 to top Group I, sending the Azzurra to the UEFA playoff as Erling Haaland finished with 16 group‑stage goals.
- DR Congo eliminated Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Rabat to claim Africa’s intercontinental playoff berth, with Nigeria’s coach alleging “vudú” during the shootout and Congolese officials dismissing the claim.
- The qualified field has reached 32 nations for the expanded 48‑team World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
- The intercontinental playoff lineup so far includes DR Congo (CAF), Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC), with the AFC place to be decided between UAE and Iraq on November 18; the mini‑tournament runs March 23–31 in Monterrey and Guadalajara.
- Europe’s remaining places will be settled via a UEFA playoff draw on November 20, with one‑off semifinals on March 26 and finals on March 31, while Germany face Slovakia in Leipzig today needing a draw to qualify as Slovakia require a win.