European Qualification for the 2026 World Cup: France and Germany Secure Convincing Wins, Belgium Slip Up at Home

On October 10, new matches were played in the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers. The day brought fans goals, drama, and several surprising results.

Group J

Belgium unexpectedly failed to beat North Macedonia at home — 0:0. The Macedonians maintained their lead in the group, while Belgium missed the chance to catch up. However, Belgium still have a game in hand and are only one point behind. Kazakhstan confidently defeated Liechtenstein 4:0 but is no longer in contention for second place.

1. North Macedonia – 12

2. Belgium – 12

3. Wales – 10

4. Kazakhstan – 6

5. Liechtenstein – 0

Group D

France had no trouble overcoming Azerbaijan (3:0). The main hero was 32-year-old Florian Thauvin — returning to the national team after a five-year break, he scored with his first touch.

In Reykjavík, spectators witnessed eight goals as Iceland and Ukraine produced a thriller (3:5). Ruslan Malinovskyi and Albert Gudmundsson both scored braces. The victory lifted Ukraine to second place in the group with 4 points, while Iceland remain close behind with 3 points from 3 matches.

1. France – 9

2. Ukraine – 4

3. Iceland – 3

4. Azerbaijan – 1

Group A

Germany crushed Luxembourg 4:0, while Northern Ireland surprised everyone by beating Slovakia 2:0 — the same Slovakia that had defeated Germany in the first round.

1. Germany – 6

2. Northern Ireland – 6

3. Slovakia – 6

4. Luxembourg – 0

Group B

Switzerland continue their perfect start — three wins from three matches with a goal difference of 9:0. In Stockholm, the Swiss defeated Sweden 2:0. Kosovo and Slovenia drew 0:0.

1. Switzerland – 9

2. Kosovo – 4

3. Slovenia – 2

4. Sweden – 1

On October 11, Armenia will play against Hungary in Group F.