Historic Team Eliminated from 2026 World Cup: The hit is Official
REYKJAVIK,Iceland – Iceland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup were extinguished Monday,October 13,2025,following a defeat against France in Reykjavik. The loss reverberates across Europe, marking a important setback for the nation that captivated the world with its improbable run to the quarterfinals of the 2016 European Championship and qualified for the 2018 World Cup.
This elimination represents a turning point for Icelandic football, a program built on remarkable unity and tactical discipline. Having overcome significant geographical and population-based challenges to reach major tournaments, Iceland now faces a period of rebuilding. The team’s failure to qualify impacts not only national pride but also future funding and development initiatives for the sport within the country.
Elsewhere in European qualifying action, Germany secured a narrow victory against Northern Ireland in belfast, winning 1-0 with a header from Nick Woltemade in the 31st minute. “They were three very vital points for us,” Woltemade stated, adding, “in this atmosphere and in a somewhat ugly game, you have to win and we did well.”
Belgium also mounted a comeback to defeat Wales in Cardiff,2-1,taking the lead in their qualifying group. Joe Rodon initially put Wales ahead in the 8th minute, but Kevin de Bruyne equalized with a penalty in the 18th minute, followed by a goal from Thomas Meunier six minutes later, assisted by Jeremy doku. With 14 points and two matches remaining – against Kazakhstan on November 15 and Liechtenstein three days later – Belgium controls its destiny in the qualifying campaign.
With details from AFP.