England Secure 1st European Spot for 2026 World Cup

The England national team has secured the first European qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

On Tuesday, England and Portugal faced Latvia and Hungary, respectively, in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

England thrashed host Latvia 5-0 in Group 11 of the European qualifiers. Goals for England came from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane (two goals), an own goal by Maxim Tonnichevs, and Iberechi Eze, scored in the 26th, 44th, 45+3rd, 58th, and 86th minutes.

With this win, England extended its winning streak to six consecutive victories, achieving a perfect record of 18 points while scoring 18 goals and conceding none. 

The Three Lions now lead second-placed Albania by seven points, officially securing their World Cup spot.

This marks England’s eighth consecutive World Cup qualification (since 1998), continuing its longest ever streak in the tournament.

In Group F, Portugal drew 2-2 with Hungary in a dramatic match. Portugal fell behind in the 8th minute to Attila Szalai, but Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice (22nd and 45+3rd minutes) to put Portugal ahead. In stoppage time, Dominik Szoboszlai equalized for Hungary in the first minute of added time.

Portugal’s qualification is now postponed. The team currently leads Group F with 10 points after four matches, five points ahead of second-placed Hungary (5 points), while Ireland sits third with 4 points.