WM 2026

Parrott’s Hat-Trick propels Ireland​ too Victory Over⁢ Hungary

Dublin, Ireland ⁣- November 21, 2023 – Troy Parrott delivered a sensational ‍performance,⁢ scoring‍ a hat-trick as teh Republic of Ireland defeated⁤ Hungary 3-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifying match at the ⁣Aviva stadium. The victory significantly boosts Ireland’s hopes ⁣of securing a place in next summer’s tournament.

This commanding win arrives‌ at a crucial‌ juncture ​in the qualifying campaign. Ireland​ now⁣ awaits the playoff draw ​on Thursday in Zurich, with matches scheduled for March, possibly offering a ‍pathway to ⁣the⁢ finals even if⁤ they ‌don’t automatically ⁢qualify. A triumphant qualification would mark ⁣Ireland’s first appearance at a major international tournament since the 2016 European Championship.‍ the team last participated in the World Cup in ⁤2002, competing in Japan and South Korea.​

Parrott opened the scoring in the 36th minute, capitalizing⁢ on a defensive error. He doubled ireland’s‌ advantage shortly after halftime, in the 53rd minute, with a composed finish. The ⁤Tottenham Hotspur forward completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sealing a memorable victory for the Irish side.

Ireland has‌ participated in three World Cups previously: 1990, 1994,​ and 2002. The team’s recent form, culminating in this decisive ⁢win, has ignited optimism‌ among‌ supporters and raised expectations for a ⁢potential return to ​the international stage.

Italy Faces World Cup Playoff After​ Shocking ‌Defeat to Norway

OSLO, Norway – November 16, 2024 – Italy’s‍ hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup were dashed tonight following a stunning 4-1 loss to‌ Norway in Oslo. The defeat marks a low point for the Azzurri and forces them into a precarious playoff‍ lottery for​ a spot in the tournament.

This result throws Italy’s World Cup aspirations into turmoil, jeopardizing their participation in the expanded ⁣48-team competition. Having previously suffered a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their first encounter, this latest setback underscores a⁢ meaningful ‌decline in ⁤form and raises serious questions‌ about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. Italy will⁤ now have to navigate a challenging⁤ playoff route, facing uncertainty and relying on other results to secure a place in the finals.

Norway dominated the second half, shifting the momentum after a more restrained first period. Leipzig’s Antonio‍ Nusa leveled the score at ​1-1 in the 63rd minute with a solo effort. Erling Haaland then took⁢ center stage, scoring twice in quick ⁣succession – in ‍the 78th and 79th minutes – bringing his total in World Cup qualifying to 15 and 16 goals.Jörgen Strand Larsen added a fourth⁣ goal in added time (90th + 3), sealing a comprehensive victory for the home side.

With this win, ⁢Norway secured their first‍ World‍ Cup qualification since 1998, marking their fourth appearance in the tournament‌ and completed an eight-game unbeaten run. The Norwegian team’s resurgence under coach‍ Stale Solbakken has been remarkable, demonstrating a cohesive⁣ and potent attacking force.

Spain is⁢ on ‌teh verge of securing a spot in the 2026 World ​Cup after defeating Georgia with a​ decisive scoreline, virtually guaranteeing their qualification. The match,⁣ played on⁤ November 15, 2025, saw Spain dominate Georgia, solidifying their⁤ position in the qualifying group.

This victory places Spain in a commanding position to advance to the tournament, with⁣ only a highly improbable result in their final match against Turkey standing between them and qualification. The Spaniards currently boast a strong goal difference and points total, making their path to the World‌ Cup remarkably ⁢secure.

Early​ in the game, Spain took ⁤control,​ with Ferran Torres scoring to put his team ahead. Shortly after, ⁢in the⁢ 25th minute, Torres extended the ⁤lead to 2-0, ⁤effectively deciding the contest. Despite a brief period of possession for Georgia following the‍ second goal, Spain quickly regained control, with Mikel oyarzabal adding another goal after the ⁤break.

The second half saw Georgia focus on damage limitation, defending‌ deeply as Spain continued to press. Oyarzabal capitalized on a cross from Torres, deliberately heading the ball into the far corner to increase Spain’s advantage.

Spain will conclude their qualifying campaign against turkey on November 18,2025.A defeat by a margin of 0-7 or greater is the only ⁢scenario that would prevent Spain from participating in the 2026 World Cup. the team’s strong performance throughout the qualifying stages has positioned them ‌as strong contenders for success in the tournament.

Slovakia advanced to the final stage of World Cup qualification after a 2-1 victory ⁤over‍ Northern Ireland on November 16, 2023, in bratislava. The win secures Slovakia’s place in the playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decisive goal came in the ‌91st minute from⁢ former Bundesliga player László Bénes, ⁤mirroring a late winner Slovakia secured against Germany in September. ‌Earlier in‌ the match, goals from Milan Skriniar and David Strelec⁤ were disallowed following Video ‍Assistant Referee (VAR) review for⁣ offside and a foul, respectively. Northern Ireland’s Daniel Ballard received a red card in added time (99th⁢ minute).

Despite⁢ the loss, Northern Ireland remains in contention for a World Cup berth due to⁤ their performance in the UEFA⁣ Nations ⁣League. Their Nations league results qualify them for the playoff round, offering a second chance to reach the tournament. The playoff‌ system provides an additional pathway‌ for teams that did not directly qualify through the standard qualifying ⁤groups.