Road to 2026: Drama Unfolds as Europe Books More Tickets and Africa Enters Playoff Crunch

As the November international window reaches its climax on November 16, 2025, the path to the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States grows clearer—and more chaotic. Portugal became the latest European powerhouse to punch their ticket yesterday, joining England, France, and Croatia as confirmed qualifiers from UEFA, while shock draws and gritty wins elsewhere kept multiple groups tantalizingly open until the final whistle on Tuesday.

Portugal Seals It in Style: Ronaldo's Farewell Tour Beckons

In a night of pure Seleção magic, Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years with a brace as Portugal dismantled Ireland 4-1 to clinch Group F and secure their spot at the 2026 finals. The 40-year-old's emotional celebration—tears mixed with that trademark leap—signaled what could be his swan song on the global stage. With seven wins from eight, Portugal's dominance was never in doubt, leaving Ireland to scrap for a playoff berth.

Mbappé Magic Sends France Soaring

Kylian Mbappé's double headline a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Ukraine on Thursday, making Les Bleus the second European side to book early. Didier Deschamps' men finished their campaign unbeaten, showcasing the depth that makes them pre-tournament favorites once more. England, meanwhile, maintained perfection with a clinical 2-0 over Serbia, Harry Kane's penalty sealing their status as the only team with a 100% record so far.

Haaland on Fire, but Norway's Fate Hangs by a Thread

Erling Haaland bagged another brace in Norway's 4-1 thrashing of Estonia, taking his qualifying tally to an absurd 14 goals in seven games. Yet the Scandinavians must wait—Italy lurk just three points behind with a game in hand, setting up a potential Nordic-Italian showdown for automatic qualification.

Shockwaves Across the Continent: Minnows Deny Giants

Saturday delivered pure qualifying chaos. Spain hammered Georgia 4-0 to stay in pole position, but Belgium's 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan handed Wales fresh hope—Ryan Giggs' side now control their destiny against Liechtenstein. In Copenhagen, Belarus stunned Denmark 2-2, keeping Scotland's dreams alive despite a 3-2 defeat in Greece. And Austria's Marko Arnautović double in Cyprus wasn't enough to clinch it outright after Bosnia rallied against Romania.

Croatia quietly wrapped up their group with a comfortable win over the Faroes, Luka Modrić orchestrating from midfield in what might be his final international hurrah.

Africa Braces for Knockout Heartbreak

While Europe celebrates, Africa's playoff semifinals loom large. On Thursday, four runners-up giants—Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo—battle in Morocco for one intercontinental playoff spot. Nigeria face Gabon in a replay of past upsets, while Cameroon meet familiar foes DR Congo. Only the winner advances to March's six-team repechage alongside Bolivia and New Caledonia.

Nine African sides already secured direct qualification: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.

CONMEBOL and Asia Wrap Up, CONCACAF Heats Up

South America's grueling round-robin concluded earlier, sending Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay straight through, with Bolivia earning the intercontinental slot.

Asia has eight teams locked in—Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan (debutants), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan—with Iraq and UAE contesting the final playoff berth in a two-legged tie concluding Tuesday.

In CONCACAF, hosts Canada, Mexico, and the US are already in. The third round reaches fever pitch this window, with Jamaica, Honduras, and surprise packages like Suriname eyeing the three direct spots.

The Final Countdown

By Tuesday night, up to 11 more European teams could join the qualified list, pushing the total past 40. Playoffs in March will settle the rest, but for now, the beautiful game's global marathon delivers thrills, tears, and timeless moments. The World Cup dream burns brighter than ever—who joins the party next?