THE 2026 World Cup qualifiers once again kept all their promises this Saturday evening. Between the
saving victory for ItalyTHE moving success of Portugal and the
quiet mastery of Spainthe European evening delivered contrasting verdicts, but decisive for the rest of the qualifications.
Italy: the victory of hope in the race for the 2026 World Cup
There Squadra Azzurra regained color by winning 3-1 in Estonia. If Donnarumma gave themselves a scare with a fatal error, the Italians were able to rely on Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui And
Pio Espositoone-night scorers. This victory allows theGattuso's Italy to stay alive in the group Istill dominated by Norway, and to continue to believe in a direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Rúben Neves celebrates his liberating goal against Ireland, dedicated to the memory of Diogo Jota
Portugal: a symbolic success and a missed penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo
HAS LisbonTHE Portugal suffered but ended up bending theIreland
(1-0) thanks to Ruben Nevesscorer at the very end of the match. A strong emotional moment during the first home match since the death of
Diogo Jotato which the middle ofAl-Hilal paid tribute. Cristiano Ronaldoon the other hand, missed a decisive penalty, missing the opportunity to become the
top scorer in playoff history.
Spain, Türkiye and Albania: confirmations and a resounding feat
Despite the absence of
Lamine Yamal And
Nico WilliamsL'Spain dominated the Georgia (2-0) with a gem ofOyarzabal. There Türkiye signed the card of the evening in Bulgaria (6-1), carried by Arda Guler And Kenan Yildizwhile theAlbania of Sylvinho made a historic feat in Serbia (1-0), in a tense context.
At the end of this European evening, the hierarchies are confirmed: Spain and the Portugal dominate their group,
Italy
clings to his dream, and Albania joins the race. THE
qualifications for the 2026 World Cup haven't finished booking twists and turns.
