The qualifying stage of the 2026 World Cup is in full swing in Europe. The matches of the 4th round, held on October 13th, were marked by a series of unexpected results and intense competition, according to UEFA.com.
Germany secured another victory in Group A. The only goal scored by Voltemade determined the score - 1:0. With this victory, the Germans consolidated their lead with 9 points. Slovakia also secured a place among the leaders, defeating Luxembourg 2-0 at home.
Northern Ireland - Germany 0:1
Goal: Voltemade (31).
Germany: Baumann, Kimmich, Ta, Schlotterbeck, Raum, Pavlovich (Anton, 86'), Goretzka, Gnabry (Andrich, 86'), Wirtz (Baku, 90+2'), Adeyemi (Bayer, 64'), Voltemade (Stiller, 90+2').
Slovakia - Luxembourg 2:0
Goals: Obert (55), Schranz (72).
In group B, an unexpected result was noted. Switzerland dropped points for the first time - they drew 0-0 with Slovenia. Meanwhile, Sweden almost lost their chance to qualify for the World Cup, losing 0-1 at home to Kosovo. A single goal scored by Aslam Aslani earned the visitors three crucial points.
Slovenia - Switzerland 0:0
Sweden - Kosovo 0:1
Goal: Aslani (32).
In Group D, France, playing without Kylian Mbappé, recorded a hard-fought draw (2:2) with Iceland. Nkunku and Mateta scored for France, while Palsson and Hlinsson represented Iceland. Ukraine secured a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan.
Iceland - France 2:2
Goals: Palsson (39), Hlinsson (70) - Nkunku (63), Mateta (68).
France: Menyan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Din, Thauvin (Akliouche, 64'), Kamavinga (K. Thuram, 75'), Kone, Olise, Nkunku (Koman, 75'), Mateta (Ekitike, 89').
Ukraine - Azerbaijan 2:1
Goals: Gutsulyak (30), Malinovskiy (64) - Mikolenko (45+3, own goal).
One of the most interesting matches was observed in Group J. North Macedonia and Kazakhstan drew 1:1. This result officially put an end to the Kazakhs' dream of qualifying for the World Cup. In another group match, Belgium took the lead after defeating Wales 4-2 away. De Bruyne scored twice from the penalty spot, with Mene and Trossard scoring each.
Wales - Belgium 2:4
Goals: Rodon (8), Brodhead (89) - De Bruyne (18 pen, 76 pen), Meunier (24), Trossard (90).
Wales: Darlow, Thomas, Cabango, Rodon, Davies (Brohead, 72'), Williams, Wilson, Ampadu, James (Dasilva, 86'), Brooks (Johnson, 58'), Harris (Moore, 86').
Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Teate (Méchele, 81), Debas, De Kuiper (Castan, 60), Raskin, Onana (Vanacan, 69), Douco, De Bruyne (Witsel, 81), De Ketelaere (Fofana, 81), Trossard.
North Macedonia - Kazakhstan 1:1
Goals: Bardi (74) - Karaman (54).
Thus, the Belgian team took the lead in Group J with 14 points. Wales (10 points) and North Macedonia (13 points) follow in their footsteps.
Qualifying matches in Europe are in full swing, and new surprises are expected in each round. Subsequent matches will more precisely determine the chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
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