Harry Kane scored twice as England thrashed Latvia 5-0 on Tuesday to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were forced to wait to clinch their spot at the finals after being held by Hungary.

Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian demonstrations prefaced Italy's vital win over Israel and Spain took another step towards qualification with a big victory against Bulgaria.

Thomas Tuchel's England brushed aside Latvia in Riga to make it six wins from six in Group K and guarantee top spot before their final two fixtures next month -- they have 18 points and an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Albania.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before Kane produced a lethal finish and then netted a penalty to make it 3-0 at half-time -- the Bayern Munich striker has 21 goals in 13 games this season for club and country.

Maksims Tonisevs scored an own-goal and Eberechi Eze added the fifth, with England now able to look forward to December's draw for next year's finals.

Qualification sealed 👊

Next up for the #ThreeLions: England v Serbia at @wembleystadium 🔜

— England (@England) October 14, 2025

"It comes rarely that you qualify for a World Cup, so the mood is very, very good," said Tuchel.

All 12 group winners in Europe qualify directly for the World Cup, with the runners-up going on to play-offs.

Serbia are a point behind Albania after fighting back to win 3-1 in Andorra.

Guillaume Lopez gave Andorra the lead with a stunning strike from inside the centre circle which sailed over Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

Christian Garcia's own-goal brought Serbia level before Dusan Vlahovic headed them in front and Aleksandar Mitrovic netted a penalty.

Portugal were on the brink of punching their ticket as they led Hungary 2-1 in stoppage time in Lisbon, knowing a win would confirm first place in Group F.

Attila Szalai headed Hungary in front only for Ronaldo to turn in Nelson Semedo's driven cross to equalise midway through the first half.

Ronaldo then converted a Nuno Mendes cross to give Portugal the lead in first-half stoppage time, taking the 40-year-old Al Nassr superstar to an all-time international record of 143 goals in 225 appearances for his country.

He now holds the record for the most goals in World Cup qualifying with 41, two more than retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz on 39.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 😤

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the all-time top scorer in World Cup Qualifiers 🇵🇹🔝

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/p09o4VM7cz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 14, 2025

However, Hungary snatched a draw when Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai finished from close range in injury time.

That means Hungary remain five points behind Portugal with two games left and so could still top Group F, while Ireland theoretically could too after Evan Ferguson's header secured a 1-0 victory against Armenia, who had Tigran Barseghyan sent off.

PROTESTS IN ITALY

Italy's meeting with Israel in Udine was prefaced by clashes between some pro-Palestinian demonstrators and police as thousands more peacefully marched through the northern Italian city in anger at the hosting of a match they felt should not have been played.

There have been calls for FIFA to exclude Israel from international competition in response to the country's military offensive in the Gaza Strip which followed a brutal cross-border assault carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

There was a huge security presence around the Bluenergy Stadium hosting the Group I fixture, won 3-0 by Italy.

The Azzurri are desperate to qualify for the World Cup having failed to make it to the last two editions.

Mateo Retegui converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time and scored again with a stunning hit on 74 minutes.

Gianluca Mancini headed in a late third to ensure that Italy will finish at least second in the group and are now just three points behind leaders Norway with two games left.

The teams meet next month but Norway's superior goal difference means they remain primed to finish first. Estonia and Moldova drew 1-1 in the same group on Tuesday.

European champions Spain have four wins from four in Group E after defeating Bulgaria 4-0 in Valladolid.

Mikel Merino scored two headers and now has six goals in four games in qualifying. Atanas Chernev scored an own-goal before Mikel Oyarzabal converted a late penalty.

"We don't have much further to go to get to the World Cup, but it's not done yet... I hope we keep winning," Merino told Spanish television.

Spain are three points clear of Turkey, who beat Georgia 4-1 at home with Merih Demiral bagging a brace. Kenan Yildiz and Yunus Akgun also scored for them.

Goals across the continent in the #EuropeanQualifiers 🇪🇺🌍#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/qCX9WG45ox

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 14, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for World Cup qualifying goals but Hungary grabbed a late 2-2 draw to stop Portugal from reaching next summer's tournament with two games to spare.

After Attila Szalai netted for the visitors, Ronaldo's first-half brace put Roberto Martinez's side on the verge of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to make Portugal wait and boost his nation's hopes of making it to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Martinez's side top Group F with 10 points, five clear of Hungary.

Portugal snatched a late victory from a five-goal thriller when the teams met in Hungary in September, as Marco Rossi's side showed their steel.

Hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Hungary again proved a tough nut to crack.

They took an early lead through Szalai, when the tall defender headed home from Szoboszlai's corner after eight minutes.

Ronaldo, still leading the line for his country at 40, soon levelled, tucking home after Nelson Semedo crossed for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Nélson Semedo puts it on a plate for Ronaldo to finish 🍽️🇵🇹

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/6zv3BzXuLT

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 14, 2025

It was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, setting a new record ahead of retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz on 39.

Ronaldo, who missed a penalty against Ireland at the weekend, extended his tally before half-time with his 143rd international goal, also an all-time record.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 😤

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the all-time top scorer in World Cup Qualifiers 🇵🇹🔝

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/p09o4VM7cz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 14, 2025

The veteran was in the right place at the right time again to clinically finish off a cross from Nuno Mendes and give his team the edge in an end-to-end clash.

Hungary pushed for an equaliser in the second half and Szalai hit the crossbar with another header.

Martinez took off Ronaldo, who is hoping to play at a sixth World Cup, but Portugal could not keep hold of their lead.

Eventually Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai found the leveller when he arrived at the back post to finish off Daniel Lukacs's low cross which found its way through.

Harry Kane scored twice as England secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia on Tuesday.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in Riga before Kane took his tally for club and country this season to 21 goals in 13 games.

An own-goal and Eberechi Eze's strike then guaranteed England top spot in Group K of UEFA qualifying with two games to spare.

An Andrejs Ciganiks own goal and Eberechi Eze's strike rounded off the scoring as the Three Lions guaranteed top spot in Group K of UEFA qualifying with two games to spare.

Thomas Tuchel has completed his first task with ease as his side became the first European nation to qualify.

🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸

A big summer awaits the #ThreeLions in 2026. pic.twitter.com/EgWT6b08hT

— England (@England) October 14, 2025

England have won all six of their qualifiers since the German took charge, scoring 18 goals without conceding.

After a slow start to Tuchel's reign with unconvincing victories over Albania and Andorra, plus a friendly defeat to Senegal in June, England have clicked into gear over the past two international breaks.

Tuchel's decision to leave out fit-again Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his squad this month was questioned.

But the former Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss has been rewarded for implementing continuity with his selection.

Gordon is one of those to benefit from a run of games on the left of a front three.

The Newcastle winger opened the floodgates when he cut inside to curl into the far corner for just his second England goal on 26 minutes.

Kane had uncharacteristically missed a glorious early chance when he steered a Gordon cross wide.

The Bayern Munich striker soon found his range with two goals in four minutes at the end of the first half to take his international tally to 76 in 110 caps.

Despite losing his balance, Kane steered a shot into the far corner off his weaker left foot to double England's lead.

Kane then accepted the gift of a soft penalty award for holding of his shirt by Latvia captain Antonijs Cernomordijs.

England were able to coast through the second period despite five substitutions disrupting the visitors' attacking flow.

The fourth goal was a self-inflicted blow by Lativa as the ball looped into his own net off Ciganiks after goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris failed to connect with Djed Spence's cross.

Eze was one of those introduced after the break and the Arsenal playmaker rounded off the scoring with a fine run and finish on 86 minutes.

Moving forward as one.

The #ThreeLions have qualified for the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rPOIOcLGcq

— England (@England) October 14, 2025

England have not failed to qualify for a World Cup since it was last in the USA back in 1994.

The hard work for Tuchel now starts in trying to deliver his adopted nation's first major trophy since 1966.

Hard decisions lie ahead with Bellingham, Foden, Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer among those not even in the travelling squad to Riga.

But England will travel across the Atlantic in June among the favourites to win a first ever World Cup on foreign soil.

The Swedish Football Association said on Tuesday it had sacked national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson following three straight losses in World Cup qualifying.

The FA said the decision, which had been taken on Tuesday and was effective immediately, was "based on a lack of results in the World Cup qualifiers".

"There is still a chance to make the playoffs in March, and our responsibility is to ensure that we have the best possible conditions for reaching the World Cup finals," Simon Astrom, president of the association, said in statement.

On Monday, Sweden lost to Kosovo 1-0 in Gothenburg thanks to a solitary strike by Fisnik Asllani of Hoffenheim.

Despite having Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool striker Alexander Isak starting together up front, Sweden have failed to even score in their last three matches and sit bottom of Group B.

Tomasson, a former Denmark international who notably played for AC Milan, Feyenoord and Newcastle, assumed the role in February 2024.

The Swedish FA said that work on finding a new manager "will begin immediately".

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal for France, but Les Bleus were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday.

FT: 🇮🇸Iceland 2️⃣-2️⃣ France🇫🇷

Iceland earn a draw against France⚡️

Mateta with a debut ⚽️ for France 🌟#WCQ pic.twitter.com/phRWZO9iV3

— ballontheline (@ballontheline) October 13, 2025

World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France could have clinched qualification for next year's tournament in North America with a win in Reykjavik, combined with Ukraine failing to beat Azerbaijan at the same time.

In the end, Ukraine defeated Azerbaijan 2-1, while Didier Deschamps' side dropped points for the first time in four outings in qualifying Group D.

Victor Palsson's goal had Iceland ahead at half-time, but Christopher Nkunku equalised for France before Crystal Palace striker Mateta gave them the lead midway through the second half.

However, Kristian Hlynsson quickly restored parity, keeping Iceland's own hopes of qualification alive.

France are three points clear at the top of the section with two games remaining next month, and a win at home to second-placed Ukraine in Paris will wrap up top spot.

"We are a bit frustrated. We wanted the victory, and we were looking for the third goal at the end. We could have done better overall," Mateta told broadcaster TF1.

63' Iceland 1-1 France
68' Iceland 1-2 France
70' Iceland 2-2 France

You cannot take your eyes off this one ⚽🍿

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/ZWqa6bfc3b

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 13, 2025

"It is always a big moment for a striker to score, and especially for me to get a goal on my first start for France."

Iceland, who visit Azerbaijan next, are three points behind Ukraine and maintain hope of at least finishing second and going into the play-offs.

MBAPPE ABSENT

France were missing key players, with Kylian Mbappe absent after picking up an injury in the 3-0 win at home to Azerbaijan on Friday.

Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele was also absent along with fellow Paris Saint-Germain forwards Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, while Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was suspended.

Mateta was therefore handed a first start at senior international level after coming off the bench against Azerbaijan for his debut, while Florian Thauvin of Lens and AC Milan's Nkunku also came into the attack.

Nkunku was denied from point-blank range inside two minutes, and instead it was Iceland who went ahead six minutes before the interval as Palsson poked home at the near post when the visiting defence failed to deal with a free-kick delivery.

🚨🚨| GOAL: CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU EQUALIZES FOR FRANCE!!

Iceland 1-1 Francepic.twitter.com/2EDbV0J9TM

— Goals Side (@goalsside) October 13, 2025

Nkunku squandered another great chance when he blazed over just after the hour mark, but he got the leveller moments later by cutting in from the left flank and firing a fine shot low into the far corner.

It was his first goal for France in exactly a year, and the visitors then went in front on 68 minutes when an inviting ball across the penalty area by Maghnes Akliouche was turned in at the back post by Mateta.

Yet Iceland made it 2-2 practically from the restart as Albert Gudmundsson released Hlynsson, left completely free of any marker to run through and finish.

"We totally controlled the game. Iceland had two shots on target and scored two goals," Deschamps told TFI.

"But we have another point on the board and next month will be decisive."

Sweden's World Cup hopes were dealt a crushing blow as they suffered a 1-0 home loss to Kosovo on Monday that all but ends their chances of reaching the finals, with a third qualifying defeat piling more pressure on coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.

HISTORIC NIGHT AS #KOSOVO DEFEATS #SWEDEN ONCE AGAIN! 💙

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 🇽🇰1-0🇸🇪#SWEKOS pic.twitter.com/xckpozT6ma

— Kosovo Football 🇽🇰 (@kosovarfootball) October 13, 2025

The result leaves Sweden bottom of Group B with one point from four matches and only a slim mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs after next month's final two rounds of matches.

Kosovo are second with seven points, three behind leaders Switzerland who drew 0-0 away to third-placed Slovenia (three points) in Ljubljana on Monday.

GIANT Albania flag displayed by fans during Kosovo vs Sweden 🇦🇱😍#SWEKOS pic.twitter.com/W1L5URlLWU

— Kosovo Football 🇽🇰 (@kosovarfootball) October 13, 2025

The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup, with the runners-up going into the playoffs.

Kosovo, who beat the Swedes 2-0 in Pristina last month, completed a famous double with Fisnik Asllani's first-half strike proving decisive.

The forward scored his first international goal in the 32nd minute with a close-range finish after fine link-up play between Vedat Muriqi and Veldin Hodza sliced open a static back line.

Sweden controlled possession after the break but remained toothless in front of goal.

Alexander Isak twice went close, first heading over and later slicing wide as Kosovo's defence stood firm amid boos from the frustrated home fans around the Ullevi Stadium.

Kosovo get their second-ever win in World Cup qualifying after beating Sweden 2-0 🇽🇰 pic.twitter.com/lfOjl7obQR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 8, 2025

The striker came agonisingly close to snatching a stoppage-time equaliser, but his powerful header was kept out by Arijanet Muric, whose stunning save ensured victory for the visitors.

Germanystriker Nick Woltemade scored his first international goal to secure a 1-0 win over a brave Northern Ireland on Monday and keep his side top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Nick Woltemade has his first senior Germany goal 👏#WCQ pic.twitter.com/nLlJEdE8sD

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) October 13, 2025

Windsor Park was rocking and the Irish full of confidence after wins either side of a 3-1 loss in Germany last month. A cross which went in off Woltemade's shoulder was the only difference between the hosts and four-times world champions.

Germany are on nine points in Group A, ahead of Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 2-0, on goal difference. Northern Ireland are third on six points. The group winners qualify automatically for the finals while the runners-up advance to the playoffs.

The Germans, who began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia, their first away loss in a World Cup qualifier, arrived in Belfast with a spring in their step after two successive wins, but were made to battle for the three points.

"It definitely wasn't our nicest game," Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann told RTL. "The stadium was extremely emotional. We had to work hard and go for the second, third and fourth ball, fight for every ball.

BIG NICK 😍🇩🇪

Nick Woltemade scored his first senior international goal for Germany as they beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in Belfast this evening. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sFzATvewbm

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 13, 2025

"In the end a set piece was decisive. We practice that a lot because it's important," he added. "It was an ugly win, but the most important thing is the three points."

NORTHERN IRELAND SURVIVE EARLY PRESSURE

The Irish survived early pressure and thought they had taken a shock lead when their goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell pumped a free kick into the area, leading to Daniel Ballard finding the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Germany took the lead in the 31st minute from a corner when Woltemade rose above his marker Isaac Price and the striker's shoulder sent the ball into the corner of the net.

"It was very important for me to score my first international goal today," he told RTL. "It's actually fitting it was with my shoulder. We got the three points so I'm happy."

Northern Ireland had chances to level before the break but Jamie Reid fired high and wide after great work from Ethan Galbraith and Alistair McCann smacked a shot on the turn from distance which went narrowly wide.

Germany could have doubled their lead shortly after the interval, but Karim Adeyemi sent his shot wide when through one-on-one with Peacock-Farrell, which kept the hosts in the game and they responded with belief.

Germany keeper Oliver Baumann was forced into action, denying Shea Charles and Galbraith, and reigniting the home crowd. Peacock-Farrell pushed away Serge Gnabry's shot for a corner, but it was the Irish who looked likelier to score next.

In the closing minutes, Galbraith sent another chance just over and Callum Marshall's shot from a wide angle in the area was saved as Germany held on to record their 11th straight win over Northern Ireland.

"I didn't think there was much in the game but they score from a set piece which we are disappointed with as we are strong from them," Northern Ireland defender Trai Hume told the BBC.

"The atmosphere is brilliant as always and we are just disappointed we couldn't get points."

Kevin De Bruyne tucked away two penalties as Belgium came back after conceding an early goal to beat Wales 4-2 away in their World Cup qualifier on Monday, moving them closer to a place at next year's finals.

Joe Rodon had the home side ahead at the Cardiff City Stadium in the eighth minute, but a De Bruyne penalty brought Belgium level within 10 minutes before veteran fullback Thomas Meunier put them ahead for a 2-1 halftime advantage.

Full-time : Wales 2–4 Belgium 🇧🇪✨

⚽️ Kevin De Bruyne x2
🅰️ Jérémy Doku pic.twitter.com/5gyyb4BMMo

— Sky Blues (@SkyBluesXtra) October 13, 2025

De Bruyne tucked away a second spotkick in the 76th minute to extend the lead, but Wales looked to be back in the contest as Nathan Broadhead came off the bench to score with two minutes remaining.

However, it took only 60 seconds for an unmarked Leandro Trossard to restore the two-goal advantage in the last minute and take Belgium top of Group J on 14 points, one ahead of North Macedonia, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by Kazakhstan.

A rat ran on the pitch during Wales vs. Belgium 🐀😅 pic.twitter.com/zgRNDdWPm2

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 13, 2025

Harry Kane is fit to feature for England as they aim to qualify for the World Cup with a win against Latvia on Tuesday.

England captain Kane missed the 3-0 friendly win over Wales on Thursday with an ankle problem sustained while playing for Bayern Munich recently.

But the Three Lions' record goalscorer, who has netted 74 times for his country, returned to training at the weekend and boss Thomas Tuchel expects Kane to start the qualifier in Riga.

"It's very easy with Harry, he can play, he is fit. We did the right thing. Top in training and ready to go," Tuchel told reporters on Monday.

"And I don't see why he should not be able to play 90 minutes. The pause was just a short pause for him. He played all matches before with Bayern, so I don't see any obstacles there."

Kane's return means Tuchel will have no reason to rue the injury to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who was forced to withdraw from the squad after colliding with a post while trying to score against Wales.

"Ollie left camp, unfortunately. It was too painful," Tuchel said.

"He could not train with us, so he is in treatment with his club and tries to get ready for the weekend. Everyone else is with us."

Group K leaders England can seal their World Cup berth with two games to spare if they beat Latvia.

They have won all five group matches without conceding a goal, giving them a four-point lead over second-placed Albania with a game in hand.

'RIGHT DIRECTION'

England beat Latvia 3-0 at Wembley in March in Tuchel's second game in charge.

But they have improved significantly since then, routing Serbia 5-0 in September before producing an impressive first half display to swat aside Wales.

Having been criticised following the slow start to his reign, Tuchel sees signs that England are developing into a cohesive unit capable of playing the attacking style he promised when he took over in January.

"I feel that we are building something, and we are going in the right direction. As always in sports, tomorrow is the most difficult game," he said.

"We have to show respect to our opponent, respect the circumstances. It's an away match in a World Cup qualifier, and, with the result from Albania and Serbia, we can qualify tomorrow. And we want to do it with a win with extra motivation."

Tuchel had made it his goal to create a club style atmosphere among his England squad, calling for a Premier League level of intensity in their performances.

England's last two matches have fulfilled the former Chelsea manager's wish and he expects them to continue in the same vein against Latvia.

"The spirit and the momentum is clearly there. The players are fully focused. They train with an awareness," he said.

"They train with joy. They train with a lot of quality. You can sense it. So everyone made an impact.

"The focus is on building a strong team, starting a strong team, starting also a team that is used to playing with each other."

Scotland ground out a 2-1 home win over Belarus on Sunday to stay in contention for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup, while the Netherlands closed in on securing their berth at the tournament with a win over Finland.

Steve Clarke's Scotland sit joint top of group C with Denmark, after the Danes beat Greece 3-1 with Rasmus Hojlund opening the scoring for the home team.

Even the defenders are assisting Rasmus ⚽⚡

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/WD8SGq7lNd

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Denmark are first in the pool on goal difference but their win in Copenhagen ensured Scotland of at least a play-off spot as they bid to make a first World Cup appearance since 1998.

The pool-toppers meet in the final qualification matchday on 18 November in Glasgow.

"We know every game from now until the end is so important," Scott McTominay told BBC Scotland after defeating Belarus.

"It's been good in terms of points picked up, but we know we've got to be better than what we've shown, everybody does, me included.

"We've got to be at a higher standard than this."

Che Adams scored the opener for the hosts on the quarter-hour at Hampden Park in an otherwise uninspiring performance by Scotland.

Ché Adams beats the offside trap 💪

Scotland open the scoring at Hampden Park 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚽️

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/g4xhnUqTPY

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

They thought they were due a penalty just shy of the hour for a succession of incidents in the Belarus box, including two calls for a foul and handball shouts going both ways, but after a lengthy VAR review, the referee declined the home side's appeals and awarded a free-kick out.

MCTOMINAY STRIKES

Scotland then had VAR to thank on 63 minutes when Evgeni Malashevich's leveller was eventually disallowed for a foul in the build-up on Napoli Serie A winner McTominay.

In a busy sequence for the VAR officials, Adams put the ball into the Belarus net for a second time in the 70th minute, but video replays confirmed the original on-field decision that the Torino man was offside.

McTominay eventually managed to seal an important victory for Scotland as he lashed home with his left foot with six minutes remaining.

Belarus punished poor Scotland defending deep in injury time as Hleb Kuchko found the net but it was too little, too late for the visitors as the Scots clung on to boos from their own fans.

Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo all found the net as the Dutch maintained their three-point lead at the summit of group G with a 4-0 defeat of Finland at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Gakpo rifles it in as the Netherlands seal all three points ⚽🚀#SSFootball | #EuropeanQualifiers pic.twitter.com/GK2jvQ1EBi

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Poland remain on the Netherlands' heels following a 2-0 win in Lithuania, where Robert Lewandowski netted his 87th international goal.

The Faroe Islands continued their excellent form in group L as they stunned the Czech Republic in Torshavn, winning 2-1.

Martin Agnarsson grabbed the winner on 81 minutes, 120 seconds after Adam Karabec had seemed to spare Czech blushes when he cancelled out the hosts's 67th-minute opener.

The Faroe Islands now sit one point behind their second-placed opponents with four wins from seven outings.

No draws on a busy day of #EuropeanQualifiers 🤩🇪🇺#SSFootball | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/yDXqgRETkh

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Croatia, World Cup runners-up in 2018, are three points ahead of the Czech Republic after an unconvincing 3-0 home win against Gibraltar.

In group H, Cyprus won 4-0 in San Marino in the day's first kick-off while Romania beat pool leaders Austria 1-0 courtesy of a 95th-minute winner by Virgil Ghita.

The Austrians now sit two points ahead of second-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina after their first defeat of the campaign.

Denmark beat Greece 3-1 at home on Sunday to keep their unbeaten World Cup qualification campaign on track and end the visitors' hopes of reaching next year's tournament, with the battle for Group C supremacy set to go down to the wire.

With two matches still to play, Denmark top the standings with 10 points, ahead of Scotland on goal difference. The two sides meet in their final fixture next month with the group winners earning automatic qualification for the tournament finals and the runners-up going into the playoffs.

Both the Danes and Scotland are guaranteed at least a playoff spot but Greece, who sit third with three points, have no hope of progressing.

"Overall, I don't think we played our best game today," Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand said.

"(The win is) the most important thing. It's the three points. Sometimes you don't reach the top level. I don't think we did that today, but we won 3-1 against a strong team."

Greece controlled possession early in the game, but in the 21st minute Rasmus Hojlund capitalised on a glaring mistake by Greek midfielder Christos Zafeiris, who tried to pass back to his goalkeeper but left the ball short, allowing the Napoli striker to score with a tap-in.

Even the defenders are assisting Rasmus ⚽⚡

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/WD8SGq7lNd

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Joachim Andersen doubled their lead, heading in a Mikkel Damsgaard corner in the 40th minute, and one minute later, another defensive error by Greece let Damsgaard finish into an empty net with a first-time strike.

Denmark took their foot off the gas after the break and Greece pulled one back in the 63rd minute as Christos Tzolis fired a powerful shot over goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a counter-attack, the first goal Denmark had conceded in their qualifying campaign.

Christos Tzolis 🇬🇷⚽

The Greeks haven't given up hope 🤩

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/Luwyu355o3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Despite coming close to a second, the Greeks were unable to break down the hosts' defence, with Schmeichel making a brilliant save to deny substitute Giannis Konstantelias before Andersen cleared Pavlidis' effort off the line.

The Faroe Islands, ranked 136th in the world, stunned the Czech Republic 2-1 in the World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, thanks to a late winner from substitute Martin Agnarsson a minute after coming on.

The North Atlantic archipelago, with a population of about 55 000, had also shocked Montenegro 4-0 on Thursday and now sit third in group L, one point below the second-placed Czechs with one match to go.

Hanus Sorensen put Faroe Islands ahead in the second half, with Adam Karabec equalising for the visitors in the 78th minute. Then a defensive mistake from the 39th-ranked Czech Republic allowed Agnarsson to shoot into an empty net three minutes later, sealing the win.

Faroe Islands, who have won four World Cup qualifiers in a single cycle for the first time, will look to keep their dream of reaching a maiden World Cup finals alive when they visit group leaders Croatia on November 14.

The group winners qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up progress to playoffs.

Memphis Depay extended his Netherlands scoring record as they cruised to an easy 4-0 win over Finland in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday to move a step closer to booking a berth at next year’s finals.

The victory kept them comfortably in the lead in Group G with 16 points from six games, six more than Poland, who play later on Sunday at Lithuania.

Donyell Malen got the scoring going at the Johan Cruyff Arena with an eighth-minute strike, followed by a header from Virgil van Dijk nine minutes later.

It's the give-and-go between Memphis and Malen 🤌

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— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Depay tucked away a 38th-minute penalty to take his tally of goals for the Dutch to 54, having gone past Robin van Persie’s previous record of 50 last month, before Cody Gakpo made it 4-0 six minutes from fulltime.

The Dutch can secure qualification with an away win in Poland in their next fixture on November 14.

After being criticised for their performance in Malta on Thursday, where they won 4-0 but failed to impress, the Dutch were swiftly out of the blocks on Sunday and Malen’s quick-footed one-two with Depay saw him strike home superbly inside the opening 10 minutes.

Depay was also the provider for Van Dijk’s goal with a freekick to the back post where the captain stooped ahead of the Finnish defence to claim his 11th international goal. Van Dijk had this week celebrated 10 years in the Dutch team.

Captain Van Dijk 🇳🇱©️

The Netherlands double their lead in Amsterdam ⚽⚽

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— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Jurrien Timber hit the crossbar shortly before a shot from Justin Kluivert struck the hand of Finland’s Miro Tenho, with Depay tucking away the subsequent spot kick.

The 31-year-old has scored in six of his last seven international outings.

The Dutch lost some of their aggression followingchanges in the second half, but they were never under threat and put a cherry on top of their performance when Gakpo fired home a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 84th minute.

Gakpo rifles it in as the Netherlands seal all three points ⚽🚀#SSFootball | #EuropeanQualifiers pic.twitter.com/GK2jvQ1EBi

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

“It was a good game from start to end with good goals. We were good on the ball and in the end dominant,” Van Dijk told NOS television.

Scotland's Che Adams and Scott McTominay scored in each half to beat Belarus 2-1 on Sunday, provisionally rising to the top of group D in the World Cup qualifiers with 10 points from four matches.

Denmark, who have seven points from three matches, play third-placed Greece later in the day in a bid to reclaim top spot. The group winners qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up progress to playoffs.

Bottom side Belarus pressed the hosts early, earning three corners in the first 10 minutes with a Pavel Zabelin header going just over the crossbar.

But Scotland scored five minutes later, with Jack Hendry's through ball finding Adams at the edge of the box for a left-foot finish. The Torino forward was initially flagged offside, but a VAR video review showed he was onside.

Ché Adams beats the offside trap 💪

Scotland open the scoring at Hampden Park 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚽️

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/g4xhnUqTPY

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 12, 2025

Belarus, looking better than their world ranking of 100th, had 22 shots in the game and thought they had equalised through Yevgeny Malashevich in the 63rd minute, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR check due to a foul on McTominay in the build-up.

Napoli midfielder McTominay scored from Andy Robertson's cross in the 84th minute, as Belarus suffered their fourth straight loss despite Gleb Kuchko's strike in added time, eliminating them from the race for the top two spots.

Scotland finish their group campaign next month with matches against Greece and Denmark.

Goalkeeper Berke Ozer left Turkey's training camp "without permission" after missing out on selection for the team which beat Bulgaria, the Turkish football federation said Sunday.

The Lille player returned to his club after not being named in the squad for the World Cup qualifier in Sofia, won 6-1 by Turkey.

"Berke Ozer... left our training centre after returning to Istanbul, citing his non-selection for yesterday's Bulgaria v Turkey match, without the permission of our staff," the federation said in a statement.

"While we are striving to qualify for the World Cup, such behaviour is unacceptable."

Turkey host Georgia on Tuesday in a crucial match in the race to finish second in Group E of qualifying, which would seal a play-off spot, behind likely winners Spain.

Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic resigned following a 1-0 home defeat to Albania in their World Cup qualifying clash on Saturday.

Stojkovic, who took charge in 2021, led Serbia to the World Cup in Qatar but has recently overseen consecutive defeats: a 5-0 loss to England in September followed by Saturday's home defeat, decided by Rey Manaj's late first-half goal.

"I spoke with the president and general secretary ... and I offered my resignation," the Serbian manager told reporters. "I personally did not expect this defeat ... I am someone who accepts full responsibility and is solely accountable."

Serbia sit third in Group K on seven points, with England top with 15 and Albania second on 11, having played one more game.

The result also moves England to the brink of qualification for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as Thomas Tuchel's side can clinch their place with a win in Latvia on Tuesday.

Portugal's Ruben Neves scored a stoppage-time goal to snatch a 1-0 win over Ireland that preserved their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying group F and consolidated top spot on Saturday.

Portugal moved to nine points at the halfway stage of the campaign with a five-point lead over second-placed Hungary, who they host on Tuesday, when they could secure qualification.

Neves headed home a minute into added time at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for his first international goal in 60 appearances.

It was a poignant tribute to close friend Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July and whose No 21 jersey Neves wore in Portugal's first home game since the Liverpool player's death.

⏹️90+7' TERMINA A PARTIDA ⏰

𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟! ❤️‍🔥#FazHistória | #PORIRL #WCQ pic.twitter.com/GnR4mnk5SK

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) October 11, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty saved in the 75th minute as Ireland threatened to hold the hosts to a draw, but the late strike kept the Irish bottom of the standings with one point.

Neves rose to head home Francisco Trincao’s cross, getting to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

It will have come as a relief to Portugal, who had a frustrating evening trying to break down resolute Irish resistance.

It was a tough night for Ronaldo in his 50th World Cup qualifier as he struck the base of the post in the 17th minute with a left-footed snapshot from just inside the penalty box, with the rebound falling perfectly for Bernardo Silva, who inexplicably scuffed his effort wide.

The 40-year-old captain had another opportunity in the 70th minute when Nuno Mendes set him up with a square pass into the penalty area, but Ronaldo got his angles wrong and shot wide.

RONALDO HAS PENALTY SAVED

Five minutes later, he had a chance to open the scoring when defender Dara O’Shea was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area as he rushed to block an effort from Trincao that looked to strike him on the chest rather than the arm.

It was checked, however, after Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak awarded a penalty and Ronaldo hit the spot kick down the middle, but Kelleher got a trailing foot to the ball and managed to kick it away for a remarkable save.

It was the closest Ronaldo got to setting a new record of 40 goals in World Cup qualifiers and ended a run of five successive internationals in which he has scored.

Norway and Turkey seal the biggest victories in the #EuropeanQualifiers 🇪🇺⚽#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/cSEhA4QEVE

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 11, 2025

The excellent Kelleher also made several key stops as Ireland were under almost constant siege with his tall defenders, notably captain Nathan Collins, proving their worth.

"It's a painful and heartbreaking result," said Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. "Our plan worked with excellent teamwork. We put a lot of energy into this match."

Earlier on Saturday, Hungary beat Armenia 2-0 in Budapest to go second with four points, while Armenia have three.

Spain continued their dominant World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Georgia after goals from Jeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal at Elche's Manuel Martinez Valero stadium on Saturday.

The win extended the European champions' perfect run in group E as they edge closer to a place at the 2026 tournament, having scored 11 goals in three matches without conceding.

Spain are top with nine points, three ahead of Turkey, while Georgia remain third on three. Bulgaria sit bottom, having suffered three consecutive defeats.

Despite the absence of players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri due to injuries, Luis de la Fuente's Spain side showcased their superiority against a Georgia team that spent most of the match defending deep.

Spain dominated the match with over 80 per cent possession and Georgia did not have one shot on target or create a scoring opportunity. The hosts were thwarted by Giorgi Mamardashvili, though, as the goalkeeper was determined to prevent a rout.

Pino opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a well-executed set-piece routine. Pedri delivered a free kick from the left into the box, where defender Robin Le Normand provided an assist for Pino to finish into an empty net from close range.

Yeremy Pino makes his moment in the box count 🇪🇸🎯

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— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 11, 2025

Georgia's defence faltered four minutes later when Saba Goglichidze's misplaced back-pass led to Mamardashvili tripping Ferran Torres in the area.

However, the keeper made amends by diving low to his left to save Torres' spot-kick. Mamardashvili was in top form all night, also saving Pedro Porro's long-range effort in the 30th minute.

Mikel Merino missed a golden opportunity to double the lead before halftime, firing over the crossbar from close range.

In the second half, Spain remained in control. Porro struck the post with a curling effort in the 53rd, while Oyarzabal and Torres wasted clear chances.

The breakthrough for the second goal arrived in the 64th minute as Oyarzabal unleashed a stunning free kick from the edge of the box, finding the top corner and sealing the result.

Norway and Turkey seal the biggest victories in the #EuropeanQualifiers 🇪🇺⚽#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/cSEhA4QEVE

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 11, 2025

Mamardashvili continued to impress, denying Torres once more in the 88th minute to keep the scoreline respectable for Georgia, who were otherwise outclassed.

"We're very happy with the victory," Porro told Spain's TVE. "The team played very well in all aspects of the game. We had to watch out for their transitions and I think the team did very well.

"The defence in general did a great job. It's our third clean sheet, which is important for building confidence. Now we have another tough match ahead of us on Tuesday."

Spain host Bulgaria in Valladolid on Tuesday when Georgia visit Turkey in Izmit.

Italy beat Estonia 3-1 in Saturday's 2026 World Cup qualifier in Tallinn before a contested group I fixture with Israel, which will be flanked by pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito were enough for Italy to move three points ahead of Israel in second place in Group I, which offers a play-off spot for qualification to the finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Gennaro Gattuso's team are on 12 points, six behind group leaders Norway, who have a goal difference that is 19 goals superior to Italy's and are all but guaranteed a place at the World Cup.

Estonia, who scored through Rauno Sappinen in the 76th minute thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma dropping a cross at his feet, have three points and cannot qualify.

The Azzurri might be without Kean for Tuesday's match with Israel as the Fiorentina striker hobbled off the field with an ankle problem shortly after curling in his sixth goal in four games for his country in the fifth minute.

Kean's striker partner, Retegui, doubled Italy's lead in the 38th minute, making up for failing to score from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.

Job done in the Estonian capital ✅#ESTITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/ihBm49Qdp9

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) October 11, 2025

And Inter Milan forward Esposito made sure of the points two minutes before Donnarumma's howler with his first international goal, drilling home Leonardo Spinazzola's cross from the left.

Italy have a game in hand on both third-placed Israel and Norway and can effectively secure second in the group in Udine next week, but the match is destined to be a sideshow.

Only 5 000 tickets have been sold for the fixture, meaning that the Bluenergy Stadium is set to have huge patches of empty seats while potentially thousands more protest elsewhere in the city.

The demonstrations will be in response to Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, which was sparked by the attack by Hamas militants on 7 October, 2023, on nearby Israeli communities.

During massive strike action in support of the Palestinians earlier this month, demonstrators went to the Italian national team's training centre in Florence to demand the match be called off.

Udine's mayor Alberto Felice De Toni has also asked for the match to be postponed over fears of potential violence in the small city in Italy's far north-east.

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick despite missing a penalty as Norway cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Israel on Saturday to edge closer to qualifying for a first World Cup since 1998.

Norway, who have not played at a major tournament since Euro 2000, now lead group I with nine points more than second-placed Italy, who have two games in hand and play in Estonia later on Saturday.

The Scandinavians will secure a place at next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a win over the Estonians on Tuesday if Italy fail to defeat either Estonia or Israel in their next two matches.

Manchester City striker Haaland is the leading scorer in European qualifying with 12 goals so far.

TWO MISSED PENALTIES AND A HAT-TRICK

In early action, Haaland surprised the Norwegian fans in the Ullevaal Stadium when his penalty was saved by Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

The spot-kick was ordered to be retaken for encroachment inside the area and Haaland struck his second effort in the opposite direction, only for it to be parried away again by Peretz.

But Norway did forge ahead in the 18th minute through an Anan Khalaili own goal, before Haaland raced clear to score in a ninth successive international appearance.

You can't give Erling Haaland space like this 😮‍💨🇳🇴

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— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 11, 2025

The hosts grabbed their third just seconds after Israel kicked off again in the 28th minute, as Peretz kicked the ball off Idan Nachmias, who was under pressure from Haaland, and into the net for another own goal.

Nachmias also had to go off injured after colliding with the post.

Haaland added his second in the 63rd minute, powering home a header from Antonio Nusa's cross, before nodding in to complete his hat-trick with 18 minutes left.

5️⃣0️⃣ Goals for Erling Haaland in his national colours 🇳🇴💥

📺 Stream #EuropeanQualifiers on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/y4Bux2rfcO

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 11, 2025

Elsewhere, Hungary beat Armenia 2-0 in group F, meaning Portugal could qualify with back-to-back wins over the Republic of Ireland, who they were facing at home later Saturday, and then Hungary on Tuesday.