Switzerland and Spain all however clinched their locations on the 2026 World Cup, however Denmark missed the prospect to do the identical in Copenhagen.
Switzerland are all however sure of a spot on the 2026 World Cup finals after thrashing Sweden, who should now undergo the play-offs following a dreadful begin for brand new boss Graham Potter.
It seemed as if Potter’s arrival as coach would possibly spark a revival from Sweden when Benjamin Nygren equalised after Breel Embolo’s opener.
However Granit Xhaka’s penalty restored Switzerland’s lead, earlier than Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi made the factors secure.
Switzerland successfully punch their ticket
Switzerland are three factors away from Kosovo, whom they face on Tuesday, in Group I with a vastly superior aim distinction.
Kosovo’s 2-0 win in Slovenia secured their place within the play-offs. Sweden, having claimed only one level from 5 qualifiers, will enter the play-offs because of their UEFA Nations League rating.
On this proof, former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss Potter has loads of work to do to make sure they’re able to qualify the exhausting approach.
European champions Spain primarily sealed Group E and their place within the finals with a 4-0 win over Georgia, however Denmark missed the prospect to do the identical as they didn’t benefit from Scotland’s 3-2 loss to Greece.
Brian Riemer’s males have been held to a 2-2 draw by Belarus and now journey to Hampden Park nonetheless needing a degree towards Scotland to qualify. A Scotland win would see them qualify for the finals for the primary time since 1998.
Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina are additionally set for a winner-take-all match in Group H.
A Marko Arnautovic double gave Austria a 2-0 win in Cyprus, whereas Bosnia got here from behind to beat 10-man Romania 3-1 and keep two factors behind forward of the sport in Vienna. Romania head to the play-offs as a consequence of their Nations League rating.
Hans Vanaken spared Belgium’s blushes as they have been held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan. Dastan Satpayev gave the hosts a shock early lead earlier than Vanaken levelled three minutes into the second half. Kazakhstan had Islam Chesnokov despatched off 11 minutes from time.
Belgium will win Group J and qualify in the event that they beat Liechtenstein on Tuesday. A surprising defeat would give Wales, who beat Liechtenstein 1-0, and North Macedonia, the prospect to leapfrog them. Each Wales and North Macedonia are already positive of a play-off berth forward of their match in Cardiff.