European Giants Deliver Mbappé Shines, Kimmich Dominates

France, Germany, and Switzerland all impressed as the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup continued on Friday night.

Mbappé Leads Les Bleus Again

France kept their flawless qualifying record alive with a comfortable 3–0 victory over Azerbaijan in Paris.
The first half looked set to end goalless until Kylian Mbappé produced a moment of brilliance — dribbling past two defenders and calmly finishing after a slick one-two with Hugo Ekitiké.

After the break, the French attack opened up. Adrien Rabiot doubled the lead with a powerful header from Mbappé’s precise cross, before Florian Thauvin, making his first appearance for France since 2019, came off the bench to score an acrobatic third.
Didier Deschamps’ side are now five points clear at the top of Group D and already looking like World Cup contenders.

Captain Kimmich Fires Germany to Big Win

Germany flexed their strength with a 4–0 demolition of Luxembourg in Sinsheim.
David Raum got things going with a brilliant free-kick before Joshua Kimmich added two goals — one from the penalty spot after a red card, and another close-range strike late on. Serge Gnabry also found the net, while Florian Wirtz struck the post with a dipping free-kick.

Julian Nagelsmann’s men looked sharp, confident, and clinical — a statement performance as they chase qualification momentum.

Swiss Sink Sweden

In Group B, Switzerland pulled off a massive 2–0 away win over Sweden. Granit Xhaka opened the scoring from the spot before 19-year-old Johan Manzambi sealed the deal late on. The Swiss now hold a five-point cushion at the top, while Sweden’s campaign continues to crumble.

Belgium Held at Home

Belgium and North Macedonia shared the points in a goalless draw in Ghent.
Despite dominating possession and racking up 25 shots, the Red Devils couldn’t find a way through the visitors’ rock-solid defence. Jeremy Doku was electric down the wings, but Belgium remain one point behind the group leaders after a frustrating evening.

Eight-Goal Thriller in Iceland

Ukraine came out on top in a wild 5–3 victory over Iceland. Ruslan Malinovskyi struck twice before Albert Gudmundsson equalised with a quick double of his own. The visitors finished strong, though, with late goals from Ivan Kaliuzhnyi and Oleh Ocheretko sealing an unforgettable win.

 Northern Ireland Stay Alive

Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes remain alive after a 2–0 victory over Slovakia.
Trai Hume’s delicate lob wrapped up the win late on, leaving both teams level on six points alongside Germany in Group A.