France and Switzerland postpone World Cup qualification celebrations, Belgium and Germany claim crucial wins

On Monday, October 13, Europe saw an action-packed matchday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Fans witnessed many tense encounters, with favorites facing tough resistance. France and Switzerland could have secured their tickets to the tournament today but missed the chance after drawing their games. Meanwhile, Germany and Belgium earned hard-fought victories to move closer to the final stage.

Group D: Iceland hold France, Ukraine grab key win

In Reykjavik, France dropped their first points of the campaign after a 2–2 draw with Iceland. The hosts led through Viktor Pálsson, but Nkunku and Mateta turned the game around. However, Kristian Hlynnsson soon equalized, leaving “Les Bleus” with only a point. France remain top, but Ukraine closed the gap to three points with a 2–1 win over Azerbaijan, thanks to Ruslan Malinovskyi’s decisive goal in Kyiv.

Group D:

1. France - 10

2. Ukraine - 7

3. Iceland - 4

4. Azerbaijan - 1

Group J: Belgium near the finish line, North Macedonia stumble

Belgium showed resilience in Cardiff, beating Wales 4–2. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice from the penalty spot, with Meunier and Trossard also on target. Wales fought back, but the “Red Devils’” class prevailed. Meanwhile, North Macedonia were held 1–1 at home by Kazakhstan after a spectacular overhead goal by Dinmukhamed Karamanov. The result complicates their battle for second place.

Group J:

1. Belgium - 14

2. North Macedonia - 13

3. Wales - 10

4. Kazakhstan - 7

5. Liechtenstein - 0

Group A: Germany and Slovakia stay steady

Germany edged Northern Ireland 1–0 in Belfast thanks to a lone goal from Leroy Sané. Slovakia also strengthened their position with a confident 2–0 win over Luxembourg. Both teams now sit atop the group with nine points each.

Group A:

1. Germany - 9

2. Slovakia - 9

3. Northern Ireland - 6

4. Luxembourg - 0

Group B: Switzerland stumble, Kosovo shock Sweden

Switzerland, who could have clinched qualification today, failed to break down Slovenia’s defense in a 0–0 draw. Kosovo produced a surprise, defeating Sweden 1–0 away thanks to a late goal from Vedat Muriqi. The group remains open, and Kosovo retains the title of the “unofficial world champion.”

Group B:

1. Switzerland - 10

2. Kosovo - 7

3. Slovenia - 3

4. Sweden - 1

On October 14, the final matches of the October window will be played, featuring groups I, K, F, and E. Armenia will face Ireland in Group F’s fourth round.

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