The Netherlands extended their lead in Group G with a convincing win over Malta, and Denmark demolished Belarus to assert dominance. These results highlighted a thrilling resumption of qualifiers on Thursday, boosting hopes for major nations eyeing a spot at the 2026 finals.
Scotland 3-1 Greece
Scotland staged a stunning comeback in Glasgow to defeat Greece 3-1 and stay level on points with Group C leaders Denmark, enhancing their bid for a first World Cup appearance since 1998. Greece, who had won 3-0 at Hampden Park last time, took the lead through Kostas Tsimikas in the 62nd minute after chances for Vangelis Pavlidis and Giorgos Masouras.
Ryan Christie equalized two minutes later from close range, Lewis Ferguson added a second in the 80th from a loose ball, and Lyndon Dykes sealed victory in added time with a fine save from Angus Gunn denying Konstantinos Karetsas a late equalizer.
Czechia 0-0 Croatia
A goalless draw in Group L suited leaders Croatia more, though hosts Czechia showed marked improvement from their 5-1 loss to the same opponents in Osijek. Czechia's best chance came from a first-half Lukas Provod free-kick saved by Dominik Livakovic, while Ivan Perisic missed Croatia's clearest opportunity. The sides remain level on points atop the group, with Croatia holding a game in hand.
Austria 10-0 San Marino
Austria preserved their perfect Group H record with a record-breaking 10-0 thrashing of San Marino, their largest international victory ever. Marko Arnautovic starred with four goals, becoming Austria's all-time leading scorer with 45.
Denmark 6-0 Belarus
Denmark seized control of Group C with a dominant 6-0 win over Belarus, leading 4-0 at halftime. Rasmus Hojlund netted twice before the break, while Anders Dreyer added a second-half double.
Netherlands 4-0 Malta
The Netherlands moved three points clear of Poland and Finland, who have played one more game, in Group G after a 4-0 victory in Malta. Cody Gakpo scored twice from penalties, with Tijjani Reijnders and Memphis Depay completing the scoring.
Faroe Islands 4-0 Montenegro
The Faroe Islands notched their biggest competitive win ever, a stunning 4-0 triumph over Montenegro in Group L, scoring four in a competitive match for the first time. Hanus Sorensen led with a goal in each half.
Other notable results included Finland's 2-1 win over Lithuania in Group G and a 2-2 draw between Cyprus and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group H, setting the stage for intensified battles ahead.
Qualification Update
No European teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup yet, as the group stage runs until November 2025, with group winners advancing directly and runners-up entering playoffs in March 2026.
Teams on the verge of securing spots include England, who top Group K with a perfect 15 points from five wins and a seven-point lead over Albania, and Norway, leading Group I with 15 points and a six-point advantage over Italy and Israel.
Other frontrunners like Austria (15 points, two ahead in Group H) and the Netherlands (13 points, three clear in Group G) hold strong positions but face tighter races.
England will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup grouped with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, as the expanded 48-team tournament begins to take shape following Friday evening's draw.
Nigerian football legend Yakubu Aiyegbeni has delivered a blunt assessment of the Super Eagles' World Cup failure, warning that the team's collapse against DR Congo exposed deeper structural problems beyond the absence of Victor Osimhen.
Kylian Mbappe sparked fresh debate across France after the 26-year-old forward missed the national team's final 2026 World Cup qualifier away to Azerbaijan.
Scotland leapfrogged Denmark to secure their first World Cup qualification since 1998, thanks to a 4-2 win on Tuesday, while Austria were confirmed as Group H winners.
