France has now officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be hosted in all 48 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The French squad was making history in more ways than one, putting on a clinical display to blow out Ukraine 4-0. Their courage and resilience lit up the midway.
When star of the show Kylian Mbappe scored twice to really showcase his ability, France looked unstoppable. Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike were instrumental in the lopsided scoreline. Their contributions were key to a convincing victory and established France’s place in the tournament’s top tier. That’s because Didier Deschamps will return to coach France in the World Cup. He said he was pleased with the team’s character and resiliency, even through an arduous contest that included a lengthy lightning delay.
Deschamps emphasized the importance of qualifying. He added, “Enjoy the good times while they last. Though this achievement might appear routine for the France national team, we aimed to earn our qualification tonight in a tough setting. The first half was difficult going up against a very good defense. His remarks speak to the burden of expectations matched perhaps only by the talent this team possesses to meet that moment.
France’s 3-1 victory over debutants Ukraine in the 2016 final underlined its status as a football powerhouse. As for Deschamps, this win is particularly important as he will be leaving after the tournament’s conclusion. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the national team through various competitions, including their triumph in the 2018 World Cup.
Throughout Europe, their teammates at other clubs are equally as deeply engaged in the struggle to reach the World Cup. In an even greater upset, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal’s stunning 2-0 loss to Ireland. This dismissal leaves very troubling issues for Portugal’s qualification. Ronaldo is facing a two-match ban, which would see him miss his side’s potential opening game of the World Cup should Portugal progress.
Portugal will play last-place Armenia at home in their last qualifying game on Sunday. Simultaneously, Ireland will face off against Hungary. The stakes couldn’t get much higher with both matches set to decide huge fortunes for each respective team.
In Group K, England was still in a dominant mood as they dispatched Serbia 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. This win not only bodes England’s future well, but maintains their perfect record. They are still undefeated in their qualifying campaign and have yet to concede a goal.
Norway is slowly but surely coming closer to qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998. They did so in style by pulling off an enjoyable 4-1 win against Estonia! Club record signing Erling Haaland shone, scoring two thunderous goals. His performance helped carry his school to within one win of a possible historic tournament berth.
With teams from all over Europe still in contention to qualify, the buildup is filled with electric anticipation. With the World Cup draw to occur in Washington, DC on December 5, excitement is palpable. This incredibly exciting event will set the tourney matchups and is widely considered one of the coolest events in all of sports to fans and players, respectfully.
