Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Iceland Hold France in World Cup Qualifiers

Iceland frustrated visitors France with a 2-2 draw in Group D of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iceland took the lead through Victor Palsson (39’), before France responded with goals from Christopher Nkunku (63’) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (68’). However, the hosts equalized just two minutes later through substitute Kristian Helinsson (70’).

France remain top of the group with 10 points, three ahead of Ukraine, who defeated visitors Azerbaijan 2-1 thanks to goals from Oleksiy Gutsulyak (30’) and Ruslan Malinovskyi (64’), while Vitalii Mykolenko (45+3’, own goal) scored for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Germany earned a valuable away win over Northern Ireland, edging them 1-0 in Group A.

The decisive goal came from Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade in the 31st minute — his first international goal in his sixth appearance — giving Germany their third consecutive victory since a shock 0-2 loss to Slovakia in the opening round. Germany now sit atop Group A with nine points, level with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference, after Slovakia beat Luxembourg 2-0. Northern Ireland dropped to third, three points behind the joint leaders.

Germany will next face Luxembourg away on November 14, before hosting Slovakia on November 17 in what promises to be a decisive clash for the group lead.

In the same group, Slovakia had to wait until the second half to break down modest Luxembourg, scoring through Cagliari defender Adam Obert (55’) and Slavia Prague striker Ivan Schranz (72’).

The victory helped Slovakia bounce back from their 0-2 loss to Northern Ireland last Friday and secure their third win of the qualifiers, keeping their hopes of direct qualification alive.

Belgium Close In on Qualification

Belgium continued their strong form with four wins and two draws, defeating hosts Wales 4-2.
After falling behind to a Joe Rodon goal (8’), the “Red Devils” responded through Kevin De Bruyne, who scored twice from the penalty spot (18’ and 76’), and Thomas Meunier (24’).

Nathan Broadhead pulled one back (89’), before Leandro Trossard sealed the Belgian victory in stoppage time (90’).

Belgium climbed to the top of Group J with 14 points, one clear of North Macedonia, who stumbled at home with a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan, while Wales remained on 10 points.

North Macedonia had been leading the group with three wins and three draws, having played one more match than Belgium, who drew with them twice.

In Group B, Switzerland missed the chance to seal World Cup qualification after being held to a goalless draw by Slovenia, following three straight wins.

The Swiss still lead the group with 10 points, three ahead of Kosovo, who beat last-placed Sweden 1-0 thanks to a goal from Vedat Muriqi in the 32nd minute.

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