European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup: England books its ticket to the USA, Georgia on the brink, Armenia still in the playoff race

On October 14, the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers concluded, bringing fans plenty of drama and excitement. England became the first European nation to secure qualification, while Group F — featuring Armenia — remains wide open.

England — the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Gareth Southgate’s England sealed their place in the tournament with a 5–0 thrashing of Latvia in Riga.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring midway through the first half, before Harry Kane netted twice — one from long range and another from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
In the second half, a Tonyshev own goal and Eberechi Eze’s strike completed the rout.

England have earned 18 points from six matches and secured top spot in Group K with two games to spare.

Georgia fall to Turkey and lose almost all hope

In Group E, Georgia suffered a heavy 1–4 defeat away to Turkey. Vincenzo Montella’s men dominated throughout, with goals from Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Hakan Çalhanoğlu sealing the win.

Spain, also in this group, cruised past Bulgaria 4–0. A brace from Mikel Merino and goals from Oyarzabal and Aleix Garcia gave Luis de la Fuente’s team their fourth straight victory.

Group E standings:
Spain — 12 pts
Turkey — 9
Georgia — 3
Bulgaria — 0

Armenia still fighting for playoff spot

Group F remains one of the most unpredictable. Armenia lost 0–1 away to Ireland, with Evan Ferguson scoring the game’s only goal. Despite the defeat, Armenia still have a chance to finish second.

Elsewhere, Portugal were held 2–2 by Hungary. Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace put the hosts ahead, but Dominik Szoboszlai equalized in added time.

The battle for second place will be decided in November. Armenia must beat Hungary at home and draw with Portugal to reach the playoffs.

Group F standings:
Portugal — 10
Hungary — 5
Ireland — 4
Armenia — 3

Italy continue their chase of Norway

In Group I, Italy earned a comfortable 3–0 victory over Israel. Retegui scored twice and Mancini added another, keeping Gattuso’s side three points behind leaders Norway.

In Italy, it’s acknowledged that to guarantee qualification, the Azzurri must win all remaining matches and score as many goals as possible.

Group I standings:
Norway — 18
Italy — 15
Israel — 9
Estonia — 4
Moldova — 1

Serbia closing in on Albania, England unstoppable

In Group K, Serbia beat Andorra 3–1, while England demolished Latvia. The race for second between Albania and Serbia promises to be tight — just one point separates them.

Group K standings:
England — 18
Albania — 11
Serbia — 10
Latvia — 5
Andorra — 1

Decisive rounds ahead

The final European qualifying rounds will take place in November. England have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, Spain and Portugal are close, and the fate of Armenia, Italy, and Hungary will be decided in the final two rounds.

The big question this autumn: can Armenia make history by reaching the playoffs for the first time ever?