Ronaldo Breaks It: Europe’s Wild Night of World Cup Drama
A night of goals, glory, and heartbreak across Europe
England’s ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially punched. Thomas Tuchel’s men swept aside Latvia with style to stay perfect, while Portugal were stunned by a late Hungary equaliser — despite Cristiano Ronaldo rewriting the record books yet again.
Elsewhere, Spain, Türkiye, Italy, Serbia, and Republic of Ireland celebrated key wins as qualifying battles tightened up ahead of the final stretch.
England flawless again
It was all too easy for the Three Lions in Riga.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before Harry Kane netted twice before the break — one a bullet strike, the other from the spot.
A second-half own goal and Eberechi Eze’s calm finish sealed a 5–0 win, maintaining England’s 100% record and clean sheet streak.
Tuchel’s side are through — job done, two games early.
Ronaldo’s records, Hungary’s heartbreak
Cristiano Ronaldo made more history, scoring twice to become the top scorer in World Cup qualifying history. But Portugal’s night ended in frustration.
After Hungary’s Attila Szalai shocked Lisbon, Ronaldo hit back with two well-taken goals before Dominik Szoboszlai fired home a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser.
Portugal must wait — Hungary still dream.
Spain sparkle, Pedri shines
Spain put on a show in Valladolid, cruising past Bulgaria 4–0.
Mikel Merino scored twice, Pedri ran the midfield like an orchestra conductor, and a late Oyarzabal penalty capped the night.
Spain look sharp, confident, and already thinking of North America.
Türkiye turn up the heat
Türkiye blew past Georgia 4–1, powered by a fiery first half.
Kenan Yildiz chipped the opener, Merih Demiral scored two headers, and Yunus Akgün added another before halftime.
Georgia grabbed a late consolation, but it was a night of celebration in İzmit for Montella’s side.
Retegui leads Italy’s charge
Mateo Retegui was the hero for Italy, scoring twice in a 3–0 win over Israel.
He converted a penalty, curled in a second from open play, and Gianluca Mancini headed home late to finish the job.
The Azzurri stay firmly in control of second place.
Serbia and Ireland rise
Serbia bounced back under caretaker boss Zoran Mirkovic, beating Andorra 3–1 thanks to goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Republic of Ireland finally got their first win — Evan Ferguson firing home after Armenia went down to ten men in Dublin.
Estonia and Moldova share the spoils
It ended 1–1 in Tallinn as Mattias Kait and Stefan Bodisteanu traded goals. Moldova earned their first point of the campaign — a small but symbolic step forward.
