2026 World Cup qualifiers: Norway, Portugal finish top with big wins

Italy 1-4 Norway

Norway delivered a stunning performance, dismantling the Italian defense with a relentless attack. Erling Haaland struck twice, alongside goals from Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen, to silence the home crowd.

Italy's solitary goal from Francesco Pio Esposito offered a brief flicker of hope, but Norway quickly reasserted their dominance. This comprehensive victory sees Norway take top spot in the group.

Hungary 2-3 Republic of Ireland

In a thrilling, back-and-forth contest, the Republic of Ireland edged out Hungary with a dramatic late goal. Ireland's hero was Troy Parrott, who scored all three of their goals. For Hungary, Lukacs and Barnabas Varga were on the scoresheet.

Ireland's persistent pressure eventually paid off, securing a vital three points on the road. The result is a major blow to Hungary's qualification hopes.

Portugal 9-1 Armenia

Portugal demonstrated their immense offensive power with a crushing victory over Armenia. Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes both netted superb hat-tricks, complemented by goals from Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceiçao.

Armenia's late consolation goal was scored by Eduard Spertsyan. The sheer scale of the defeat underscores the gulf in class between the two nations and highlights Portugal's World Cup ambition.

Serbia 2-1 Latvia

Serbia secured a narrow but crucial home victory against a determined Latvian side. Aleksandar Katai and Aleksandar Stankovic scored for the hosts. Latvia fought back valiantly, with Vladislavs Gutkovskis leveling the score shortly after halftime.

Serbia’s quality eventually shone through, with the late goal sealing the 2-1 win. This result keeps Serbia firmly in the hunt at the top of their group.

Azerbaijan 1-3 France

France secured a comfortable victory away to Azerbaijan, although the scoreline was closer than expected for a period. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maghnes Akliouche found the net for France, along with an unfortunate Own Goal from Shahrudin Magomedaliyev.

Azerbaijan's reply came from Renat Dadaşov. The reigning champions stepped up the intensity in the second half, confirming the 3-1 result and maintaining their unbeaten record.

Israel 4-1 Moldova

Israel delivered an emphatic performance, comfortably defeating Moldova by a three-goal margin. Roy Revivo scored twice, joined by goals from Dor Turgeman (Penalty) and Eliel Peretz.

Moldova's lone goal came late in the game from Ion Nicolaescu. Israel was dominant from the outset, showcasing efficient finishing and solid defensive work in their commanding 4-1 win.

Ukraine 2-0 Iceland

Ukraine earned a professional and important 2-0 win over Iceland in a game where they controlled possession and created the better chances. The goals came from Oleksandr Zubkov and Oleksiy Hutsuliak.

The first goal just before the break eased the pressure on the home side. A second goal midway through the second half put the result beyond doubt, giving Ukraine a significant boost in the standings.