Qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are in full swing in Europe. The matches in different groups were memorable not only for the expected results, but also for the results that amazed the fans.
The clash between Germany and Northern Ireland took place as part of Group A. The Germans, playing with a strong squad, showed a strong game and took the lead with a score of 3:1. Accurate strikes from Gnabry, Amiri, and Wirtz secured an important victory for the Germans. Price scored the only goal for the Irish. Meanwhile, in another group match, Slovakia defeated Luxembourg with a last-minute shot.
Group A. Round 2
Germany - Northern Ireland 3:1
Goals: Gnabry (7), Amiri (69), Wirtz (72) - Price (34).
Germany: Baumann, Anton, Koch, Rüdiger (Ta, 82'), Raum, Kimmich, Gross (Goretzka, 66'), Gnabry (Bayer, 61'), Wirtz, Leveling, Voltmade (Amiri, 61').
Northern Ireland: Picock-Farrell, Hum, McNeir, Toal (McConnell, 88'), Bradley, Galbraith (Marshall, 76'), Charles, McCann (Sevill, 76'), Devenny, Price (McDonnell, 88'), Reed (Charles, 70').
Luxembourg - Slovakia 0:1
Goal: Riga (90).
The central meeting of Group E became a real sensation. The Spanish national team defeated Turkey by a large margin - 6:0. Among the lads, Pedri scored two goals, and Merino scored three, achieving a hat-trick. Torres scored another goal. This victory further strengthened Spain's leading position.
Group E. Round 2
Turkey - Spain 0:6
Goals: Pedri (6, 62), Merino (22, 45+1, 57), Torres (53).
Turkey: Chaqir, Muldur (Chelik, 63), Demiral, Bardakchi, Elmali (Kadioglu, 63), Çalhanoğlu (Ko'kchu, 68), Yuksak (O'zjan, 82), Akgun (Aydin, 46), Guler, Yildiz, Akturko'glu.
Spain: Simon, Porro, Le Normand, Heisen, Cucurella, Merino, Subimendi (Rodri, 73), Pedri (de Frutos, 68), Yamal (Morata, 73), Williams (Torres, 44), Oyarzabal (Lopez, 68).
In Group G, Poland left no chance on the field against Finland. Led by Lewandowski, the Poles secured a 3-1 victory, overtaking the group leader, the Netherlands, on points.
Group G. Round 5
Poland - Finland 3:1
Goals: Cash (47), Lewandowski (45+2), Kaminsky (55) - Callman (88).
Poland - Skorupski, Kesh (Vsholek, 47), Wiśniewski, Bednarek, Kiwior, Zielinski, Slysh (Kapustka, 67), Szymanski, Kaminski (Buksa, 80), Zalewski, Lewandowski (Sviderski, 67).
In Group J, Belgium proved to be the real favorite. With a resounding 6-0 victory over Kazakhstan, the Red Devils climbed to second place. De Bruyne scored twice, Doku scored twice, and Raskin and Meunier also contributed.
Group J. Round 5
Belgium - Kazakhstan 6:0
Goals: De Bruyne (42, 84), Doku (44, 60), Raskin (51), Myone (87).
Belgium: Courtois, Castagne, Debas, Teate, De Kuiper (Vanaken, 71'), Tielemans, Raskin (Mone, 71'), Trossard (Fofana, 63'), De Bruyne (Vanhut, 86'), Doku (Salemakers, 63'), de Ketelaire.
Kazakhstan - Seisen, Kasim, Zhaksibayev, Alip, Astanov, Orazov (Kasabulat, 58), Muzhikov (Khalmatov, 73), Vorogovsky, Kenzhebek (Satpayev, 46), Samorodov (Karaman, 81), Omirtayev (Chesnokov, 46).
Thus, the qualifying stage is becoming increasingly intense. At this stage of the journey, the value of each point clearly doubles. Whoever maintains tempo, demonstrates accuracy in standards, and doesn't lose focus until the last minute - will be promoted in the next rank. Major national teams such as Germany, Spain, Poland, and Belgium continue to move towards their goals. And fans have many more dramatic and challenging matches ahead of them.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
