England Clinch 2026 World Cup Qualification as Ronaldo Breaks Record and Portugal Held by Hungary

Harry Kane struck twice as England sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 5–0 win over Latvia on Tuesday, while Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another scoring record — though Portugal were forced to wait to secure qualification after being held 2–2 by Hungary.

Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place ahead of Italy’s crucial win over Israel, and Spain maintained their perfect start to qualifying with a comfortable victory against Bulgaria.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were ruthless in Riga, making it six wins from six matches in Group K and guaranteeing top spot with two fixtures remaining next month. England have amassed 18 points, opening up an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Albania.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring early on before Kane produced a clinical finish to double the advantage. The Bayern Munich striker then converted from the penalty spot to make it 3–0 at half-time, taking his tally to 21 goals in 13 matches this season for club and country.

Maksims Tonisevs’ own goal extended England’s lead, before Eberechi Eze added the fifth. The result allows the Three Lions to look ahead to December’s draw for next year’s finals with confidence.

“It comes rarely that you qualify for a World Cup, so the mood is very, very good,” said Tuchel after the match.

Portugal Denied Late as Ronaldo Sets Historic Scoring Record

All 12 group winners across Europe qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up advance to the play-offs.

Serbia remain a point behind Albania after coming from behind to defeat Andorra 3–1. Guillaume Lopez gave the hosts a stunning lead with a spectacular strike from inside the centre circle, looping over goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. But Christian Garcia’s own goal brought Serbia level before Dusan Vlahovic’s header and an Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty completed the turnaround.

In Lisbon, Portugal were moments away from sealing qualification when they led Hungary 2–1 in stoppage time, needing a win to confirm first place in Group F.

Attila Szalai had put Hungary ahead with a first-half header, before Ronaldo levelled with a sharp finish from Nelson Semedo’s driven cross. The 40-year-old Al Nassr forward then struck again in first-half stoppage time, converting a Nuno Mendes cross to give Portugal the lead.

The goal was historic — taking Ronaldo to an unprecedented 143 international goals in 225 appearances, while also breaking the record for the most goals scored in World Cup qualifying (41), surpassing retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz (39).

However, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai struck in injury time to snatch a draw, meaning Hungary remain five points adrift of Portugal with two matches left and could still mathematically top the group. Ireland also kept their hopes alive as Evan Ferguson’s header secured a 1–0 victory over Armenia, who had Tigran Barseghyan sent off.

Protests in Italy as Israel Eliminated from Qualification

Italy’s 3–0 win over Israel in Udine was preceded by tense scenes outside the Bluenergy Stadium, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with police while thousands of others marched peacefully through the city. Protesters objected to Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza, following Hamas’s 7 October 2023 cross-border attack.

The match went ahead under heavy security, with Israel’s defeat confirming their elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Italy, who failed to reach the last two World Cups, are desperate to end their exile from the tournament. Mateo Retegui converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time and added a second with a thunderous strike on 74 minutes. Gianluca Mancini’s late header wrapped up a commanding victory.

The result guarantees Italy at least second place in Group I, leaving them three points behind leaders Norway with two games to play. Norway’s superior goal difference, however, keeps them favourites to finish top. Elsewhere in the group, Estonia and Moldova shared a 1–1 draw.

Spain Maintain Perfect Start in Group E

European champions Spain continued their flawless run in Group E with a 4–0 win over Bulgaria in Valladolid.

Mikel Merino scored two headers to extend his remarkable scoring form, taking his tally to six goals in four qualifiers. Atanas Chernev’s own goal and a late Mikel Oyarzabal penalty sealed another comfortable victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

“We don’t have much further to go to get to the World Cup, but it’s not done yet… I hope we keep winning,” Merino told Spanish television after the match.

Spain remain three points clear of Turkiye, who beat Georgia 4–1 at home with Merih Demiral netting twice. Kenan Yildiz and Yunus Akgun were also on the scoresheet.