World Cup Qualifiers

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has acknowledged feeling nervous before Thursday's World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland. The Azzurri seek to reach the tournament for the first time in 12 years. Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of the match.

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FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo following their World Cup qualifier match. The game has been a key topic of discussion after it marked the controversial end to Nigeria's Super Eagles qualification hopes.

DR Congo advanced to the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CAF playoff final. Frank Onyeka scored early for Nigeria, but Meschack Elia equalized before the break in Rabat. Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to shatter Nigeria's hopes.

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England secured a 2-0 victory over Albania in Tirana to finish their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with eight straight wins and no goals conceded. Harry Kane scored both goals in the second half, extending his tally to 40 qualifying strikes since 2019. The result confirms England's status as group winners heading into the tournament.

In Graham Potter's first match as Sweden's coach, the team lost 1–4 to Switzerland in the World Cup qualifier in Geneva. Despite a strong start, the game collapsed after a controversial penalty. Second place in the group is now out of reach, with Sweden focusing on the March playoff.

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The Portuguese Football Federation is set to file a complaint with FIFA to challenge the length of Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension after his red card in Portugal's 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo was sent off for swinging an elbow at defender Dara O'Shea, initially receiving a yellow before a VAR review prompted the referee to upgrade it to red. The incident could lead to a ban extending into the World Cup, but Portugal aims to limit it to one match.