France secure 2026 World Cup berth while Portugal and Norway must wait

France booked their spot in the 2026 World Cup thanks to a convincing 4-0 victory against Ukraine on Thursday, a match held as the nation remembered the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks. In contrast, Portugal had to postpone their celebrations after a 2-0 loss in Dublin, during which Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off.

Norway too finds itself in a holding pattern, as a late goal from Italy against Moldova stopped them from confirming their qualification for the upcoming tournament in North America.

The French triumph unfolded in a poignant atmosphere at the Parc des Princes, where a minute of silence was held to honour the 10th anniversary of the assaults in and around Paris on Friday, November 13, 2015.

Of the 130 victims who perished in those attacks, many lost their lives at the Bataclan concert venue in the city centre, where a performance was underway.

However, one fatality occurred close to the Stade de France in the Saint-Denis area north of Paris, amid several blasts as attackers with explosives tried to breach the stadium during a friendly fixture between France and Germany.

Didier Deschamps served as coach at that time and continues to lead the team, with the nearing World Cup set to be his last before he departs.

"Considering the significance of this evening, we are glad to have brought joy by clinching our qualification," Deschamps remarked.

"We achieved our goal. I realise it might seem routine for France to qualify, yet we had to earn it, and we feel immense pride."

Goals in the second half from Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, plus Hugo Ekitike's debut international goal, propelled Deschamps' squad to an unbeatable six-point advantage over Iceland, who defeated Azerbaijan 2-0, and Ukraine in Group D standings.

As France anticipates the finals draw scheduled for Washington, DC, on December 5, Ukraine and Iceland will face off on Sunday in a decisive encounter to determine which team advances to the March play-offs.

Sad, disappointed

Portugal could have locked in first position in Group F by beating the Republic of Ireland.

Instead, a red card to Ronaldo for violent conduct, while they were down 2-0 to strikes from Troy Parrott, left Portugal on 10 points, three clear of the Irish and two ahead of Hungary, who edged Armenia 1-0.

Portugal's concluding group fixture is set against Armenia in Porto on Sunday, whereas Hungary will host Ireland in a contest likely vying for runner-up status.

Parrott nodded the home side ahead in the 17th minute, then added another just before the interval.

Ireland defended resolutely to thwart their more favoured rivals, whose chances dwindled further when the 40-year-old Ronaldo elbowed Dara O'Shea in the back and was ejected following a VAR check.

Ronaldo, the record men's international football goalscorer, risks sitting out the World Cup's opening matches should Portugal advance, based on his suspension duration.

"We failed to secure the victory, we feel sad and let down by our performance today," said Portugal's Bernardo Silva.

Even after a dominant 4-1 triumph over Estonia powered by Erling Haaland, Norway must bide their time until the last group day to seal their World Cup passage.

Alexander Sorloth and Haaland each scored twice within 12 second-half minutes in Oslo, but the Norwegians anxiously awaited the outcome of Italy's game versus Moldova to confirm Group I leadership.

Moldova appeared set to hand Stale Solbakken's team direct entry, until Gianluca Mancini's 88th-minute effort sparked Italy's win, preserving their shot at automatic progression.

Pio Esposito of Inter Milan made it 2-0 in added time, guaranteeing that Sunday's clash with Norway at the San Siro promises high drama.

Though three points divide them, Norway boasts a strong record against Italy, including a comfortable 3-0 success in June.

"It was tough... We were aware Norway had triumphed, creating an odd vibe," Sandro Tonali shared with Sky Sport Italia.

"Defeating them would mean a great deal to us, as it may not mend the pain entirely, but it will aid our momentum."

In Group K, England, already through, overcame Serbia 2-0 at Wembley with efforts from Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, as Albania narrowly beat Andorra 1-0 to claim second place.