England Secure 2026 World Cup Berth with Dominating 5-0 Victory Over Latvia
Riga, Latvia – October 10, 2025 – England emphatically booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 5-0 win against Latvia on Tuesday, becoming the first European team to qualify for the North American tournament. The Three Lions finished the match without conceding a goal throughout their qualifying campaign.
England secured qualification with two matches still remaining, holding a comfortable seven-point lead over Group K runner-up Albania. This victory marks a sixth consecutive win under new manager Thomas Tuchel, who has overseen 18 goals scored and none conceded in qualifying.
“To qualify with two games remaining is a great success, without any goals conceded, playing high-quality football,” england captain Harry Kane told ITV. “We make it look easy, but these games can be tough.”
Kane continued his remarkable form under Tuchel, scoring twice against Latvia – a left-footed strike from outside the area in the 44th minute and a penalty just before halftime (45+4). He now has seven goals in seven games under the German coach.
Tuchel, previously managing PSG and Chelsea, has instilled a high-pressure, physically demanding style of play, despite several key players being absent due to injury or choice – including Alexander-Arnold, Palmer, Madueke, Bellingham, Foden, and grealish.
“We play vrey aggressively, with high pressure. It’s a very physical game that we play, it’s very demanding but it motivates everyone,” Tuchel explained.
the remaining November qualifying matches will be used to refine team cohesion and build on the momentum ahead of the tournament in June and July.
