England ensured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a convincing 5-0 win over Latvia in Riga on October 14, 2025. The victory meant they secured first place in Group K with an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Albania, ensuring top spot with two games still to go.
The match saw Harry Kane put on an exceptional performance, scoring twice and converting a penalty. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England, followed by Kane’s strike and penalty, taking the score to 3-0 at halftime. Latvia’s Maksims Tonisevs then scored an own-goal, and Eberechi Eze completed the rout, with England now eagerly anticipating the December draw for the World Cup finals.
England’s qualification came as part of a dominant run in the qualifiers under coach Thomas Tuchel, who expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance: “It comes rarely that you qualify for a World Cup, so the mood is very, very good.” All group winners in Europe secure direct spots at the tournament, while the runners-up will go into play-offs.
Meanwhile, Portugal was left waiting for their qualification after being held 2-2 by Hungary in Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable record continued as he scored twice, including a first-half stoppage-time goal, taking his tally to 143 international goals. However, Hungary equalized in injury time through Dominik Szoboszlai, denying Portugal a guaranteed top spot. With two games left, Portugal remains five points ahead of Hungary and has a chance to secure their qualification in the next round.
Elsewhere in Europe, Italy triumphed 3-0 over Israel, a match overshadowed by protests and clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and the police. Italy is now within three points of Group I leaders Norway, with a crucial meeting between the two sides scheduled next month.
Spain continued their strong form, defeating Bulgaria 4-0, with Mikel Merino scoring twice. The victory kept Spain three points ahead of Turkey in Group E as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.
