⏪ Norway come back to beat Italy; Ireland reach play-offs; England win | OneFootball

Thanks for following today's World Cup qualifier action.

FULL TIME: Italy 1-4 Norway

Francesco Pio Esposito's early goal wasn't enough to help Italy finish World Cup qualifying on a high. Norway hit back strongly in the second half with four goals and Haaland struck twice. The Scandinavian side secure top spot in Group I and reach their first finals since 1998.

GOAL NORWAY

Jorgen Strand Larsen adds a late fourth for Norway in injury time.

CHANCE ITALY

The Azzurri look for a response and Matteo Politano skims the post with a curling effort.

No letting up for Norway's danger man.

GOAL NORWAY

Two minutes later, Haaland adds his second of the night, receiving Morten Thorsby's pass and slotting into the net. 16 qualifier goals for the Man City man now.

GOAL NORWAY

Erling Haaland puts Norway into the lead with 10 minutes remaining, slamming a first-time finish into the net.

CHANCE ITALY

The game has sprung to life in the late stages and Federico Dimarco controls in the area, shoots towards goal but his strike is saved by Orjan Nyland's fingertips.

CHANCE NORWAY

Norway almost get a second but Donnarumma comes to the rescue to keep out Nusa's first time volley.

GOAL NORWAY

It has been coming and Norway grab the equaliser through Antonio Nusa's thumping left-footed strike into the top corner. A feirce effort!

Another dangerous Norway attack ends with an opportunity as Julian Ryerson shoots over the bar.

CHANCE NORWAY

More positivity from Norway after half time and Alexander Sørloth looks to level with a stinging effort that flies inches wide. The Atléti striker has another effort moments later that goes just over the bar.

SECOND HALF

Italy vs Norway resumes after the break.

HALF TIME: Italy 1-0 Norway

Esposito's excellent turn and finish early on gives Italy a first-half lead. The Azzurri still need eight goals to climb above Norway and into Group I's top spot.

Gennaro Gattuso is incensed with a free-kick decision that goes Norway's way. The  Italian boss is booked for dissent on the sidelines.

CHANCE ITALY

Dimarco puts in a pinpoint cross towards Esposito, who headers inches wide of the post.

Norway generate their first opportunity of the night, but Antonio Nusa can't threaten the Italy goal with a wayward shot.

Fair to say, Esposito enjoyed that one.

It's been all Italy in the opening 20 minutes and Manuel Locatelli is next to try his luck, lashing over the bar from distance.

GOAL ITALY!

Francesco Pio Esposito strikes after just 10 minutes as he swivels his marker and drills a shot low into the net.

CHANCE ITALY

The hosts have made a positive start and Federico Dimarco's shot that skimmed the post is the best of Italy's openings so far.

KICK OFF

Italy vs Norway begins at the San Siro.

Here's how Norway lineup in Milan this evening. Will Haaland add to his 14 World Cup qualifier goal tally?

Norway have a three-point lead over Italy at the top of Group I. However, the Scandinavian side have a healthy +29 goal difference, compared to Italy's +12.

As a result, Italy must win by nine or more goals this evening to directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup. If they can't achieve that feat, Gennaro Gattuso's side will enter the play-offs.

Italy take on Norway in the final World Cup qualifier this evening. Here's how the Azzurri lineup at the San Siro.

A positive impression under Thomas Tuchel.

FULL TIME: Albania 0-2 England

Both sides had good chances early in the second period before Kane's late brace led England to victory. The Three Lions complete World Cup qualifying with eight consecutive wins and no goals conceded.

FULL TIME: Azerbaijan 1-3 France

France were stunned by Azerbaijan's very early goal, but Les Blues held their composure and hit back to win and finish six points clear at the top of Group D.

CHANCE ENGLAND

Kane gets into the area and seeks the bottom corner for his hat-trick. The shot bobbles just wide.

Just how many more international goals will Kane get?

GOAL ENGLAND

Another goal for Harry Kane, who leaps to header Marcus Rashford's cross back across goal and into the corner.

One of the more straightforward finishes of Kane's illustrious career.

CHANCE FRANCE

Khephren Thuram connects inside the six-yard box and forces Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev into an excellent reaction save.

GOAL ENGLAND!

Saka delivers the corner that flicks off an Albanian defender and sends the ball into Harry Kane's path. The Three Lions captain makes no mistake and applies the finish from point-blank range.

After an action-packed first half between Azerbaijan and France, there's been a big drop off in tempot during the second period, with very few chances of note so far...

PENALTY CHECK

Henderson races out of his goal and tackles Hoxha. A quick VAR check rules that the England goalkeeper got the ball before taking the Albanian forward. No penalty.

CHANCE ALBANIA

Nedim Bajrami controls in a promising position but sends his shot wide of the top corner.

Bukayo Saka almost makes an instant impact from the bench and fires towards goal from inside the six-yard box. His shot lacks conviction and Strakosha holds comfortably.

CHANCE ENGLAND

Dan Burn knocks down for Bellingham who volleys into the ground and just over the crossbar. Chances starting to flow in this clash now.

CHANCE ENGLAND

Jude Bellingham picks out Eberechi Eze inside the area and his strike is well saved again by Strakosha.

BIG CHANCE ALBANIA

The hosts have come out with real intent after half time and Albania work the ball to an unmarked Hoxha near the edge of the area. He shoots towards goals but can't get enough of an angle on the effort to find the corner and Henderson saves.

CHANCE ALBANIA

Arber Hoxha goes on a solo run and curls towards the corner but Dean Henderson has it covered.

SECOND HALF

Back to it in Baku and Tirana.

Can either side find the breakthrough after half time?

HALF TIME: Azerbaijan 1-3 France

France trailed after just four minutes but have responded positively to lead Azerbaijan at the break.

GOAL FRANCE

An own goal for Azerbaijan as the ball pinballs around inside the six-yard box before taking a massive deflection off  Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev and nestling in the net.

HALF TIME: Albania 0-0 England

A half of few chances for both sides and it remains goalless in Albania.

GOAL DISALLOWED

Khephren Thuram thought he'd bagged a French third, but it's chalked off due to handball.

After a nightmare start, France have recovered well in Azerbaijan.

Strakosha is called into action in quick succession as Jarell Quansah tests the Albanian goalkeeper with a header.

CHANCE ENGLAND

England try to unlock Albania on the counter-attack and Jarrod Bowen lashes a low shot towards the bottom corner, but Thomas Strakosha gets down well to smother the effort.

France keep pushing to extend their advantage and Hugo Ekitike shoots straight at Mahammadaliyev.

A lively opening 30 minutes in Baku.

GOAL FRANCE

Maghnes Akliouche gives France the lead, connecting with Gusto's low cross and firing past Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev.

GOAL DISALLOWED

Nkunku has the ball in the net but it's ruled out for a handball during the build-up.

CHANCE ALBANIA

Elseid Hysaj is given space from 20-yards out to have a pop at goal and it just rises over the crossbar.

GOAL FRANCE

Les Blues get their equaliser and Jean-Philippe Mateta delivers with a powerful header from Malo Gusto's lofty cross into the six-yard box.

CHANCE FRANCE

Christopher Nkunku finds space and lashes a low strike just wide of the post. France seeking a quick reply here.

England are controlling possession in Albania but the visitors are yet to fashion a big chance so far.

A less than ideal start for France in Azerbaijan. Can they hit back?

GOAL AZERBAIJAN

A quick shock in the World Cup qualifiers as Renat Dadashov strikes early against France, tapping in a well-worked move from close range.

KICK OFF

England vs Albania and Azerbaijan vs France get underway.

Here's the France lineup for their game in Azerbaijan. Debut incoming for PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

England travel to Albania and France take on Azerbaijan in our next batch of games.

The Three Lions qualified for the World Cup back in October and will look to maintain their 100% winning streak in Group K qualifiers against second-placed Albania.

France have also booked their place at the 2026 World Cup as Group D victors.

What a finale in Hungary

FULL TIME: Hungary 2-3 Ireland

Ireland come back twice and Parrott's last-gasp goal helps Ireland to cinch second spot over Hungary. The Boys in Green now have a chance to reach their first World Cup since 2002.

GOAAALL IRELAND!

The hat-trick hero Troy Parrott does it! The striker reacts first to Liam Scales' flick on in the area and pokes into the net and sends Ireland into the World Cup play-offs.

FULL TIME: Portugal 9-1 Armenia

Fernandes and Neves both score hat-tricks as Portugal book their spot at the 2026 World Cup as Group F winners!

CHANCE IRELAND

Parrott unleashes a powerful strike towards Hungary's goal but Dibusz reacts to claw away to safety. Huge chance to win it!

GOAL PORTUGAL

Francisco Conceição composedly slots into the net to wrap up a big win for Portugal.

OFF THE LINE!

Dara O'Shea's goal-bound header is looping towards the corner, but the attempt is cleared off the line by the Hungary defence at the last second.

CHANCE HUNGARY

Szoboszlai is left unmarked inside the Ireland penalty area and Hungary's talisman fires towards goal. Kelleher comes to the rescue again to produce another top save.

Four goals in two games for Ireland's Parrott now.

As things stand, Hungary will still go through to the World Cup qualification play-offs as Group F runners-up.

Ireland need another goal to win and jump into second spot. Tense few minutes coming up!

GOAL IRELAND

With 10 minutes to go, Ireland burst forward and Parrott reaches Azaz's cross with a deft finish over Dibusz.

GOAL PORTUGAL

João Neves has capped an excellent afternoon for Portugal by netting his own hat-trick. It's a well-taken finish as the midfielder plants an excellent strike into the bottom corner.

GREAT SAVE!

Roland Sallai races towards goal and whips his shot towards the top corner. Caoimhin Kelleher gets up quickly to tip the shot behind.

CHANCE HUNGARY

Varga receives the ball inside the area and his shot is heading towards goal but Nathan Collins makes a last-ditch block. Brave defending there.

Here's England's starting XI for their trip to Albania this evening.

A fine afternoon for the Man United midfielder. He's been involved in four of Portugal's seven goals.

GOAL PORTUGAL

Fernandes makes no mistake and clips his penalty into the roof of the net.

PENALTY PORTUGAL

Sergey Muradyan concedes another penalty and Portugal will have a chance to net number seven. Fernandes has the ball and will hope to bag his hat-trick.

Half chance for Ireland as Idah rises to meet Finn Azaz's cross but it has too much power and flies over the bar.

GOAL DISALLOWED

Adam Idah gets in behind the Hungary defence and loops his finish over Denes Dibusz, but it's ruled out for offside.

Armenia attack for the first time since equalising in the first half and Karen Muradyan's long-range shot is saved by Diogo Costa.

GOAL PORTUGAL

Fernandes nets his second of the match and adds a sixth for Portugal with a curling first-time finish past Avagyan's outstretched hand.

Portugal are pushing for more early in the second half with Rafael Leão testing  Avagyan and João Cancelo firing over.

SECOND HALF

We're back to it for the second 45 across both games.

Here's how the table stands after the opening 45 in Group F.

Portugal are firmly in control and heading towards the 2026 World Cup finals as things stand.

HALF TIME: Hungary 2-1 Ireland

Hungary struck in the opening three minutes before Troy Parrott levelled from the penalty spot. Varga then produced a moment of brilliance to put the Magyars back in front.

HALF TIME: Portugal 5-1 Armenia

Armenia gave Portugal a slight scare with an early equaliser following Veiga's opener. However, the hosts responded positively to hold a dominant half time lead.

GOAL PORTUGAL

Fernandes fires his penalty into the middle of the goal to put Portugal firmly in control.

PENALTY PORTUGAL

Karen Muradyan concedes a penalty for a rash foul. Fernandes will take the spot-kick.

GOAL PORTUGAL

Neves gets his second goal of the afternoon, firing an excellent long-range free-kick into the top corner.

GOAL HUNGARY

Hungary are back in front and Barnabas Varga find the net with a wonderful finish. The striker controls Kerkz's cross on his chest and volleys an unstoppable finish past Kelleher.

GOAL PORTUGAL

João Neves hits a quickfire second for Portugal, controlling from Bruno Fernandes' pass and producing a well-taken finish from the edge of the area

CHANCE HUNGARY

Szalai gets a touch on a Hungarian cross into the box but the goalward attempt is somehow kept out by Kelleher's reaction save.

GOAL PORTUGAL

Ramos is more successful with this opportunity and taps in from close-range to give Portugal the lead once more.

CHANCE PORTUGAL

Portugal almost provide an immediate response to Armenia's equaliser as Gonçalo Ramos forces  Avagyan into a strong save.

GOAL AREMNIA!

Portugal have been thoroughly dominant but they haven't taken their chances. Armenia punish the hosts and Eduard Spertsyan rifles in an equaliser.

GOAL IRELAND

Parrott holds his nerve and slams his spot-kick into the bottom corner. Very composed.

PENALTY IRELAND

The referee checks the monitor and has seen enough evidence to award Ireland a penalty. Troy Parrott assumes the duties...

VAR CHECK - POTENTIAL PENALTY

Ogbene goes down under a challenge from Ádám Szalai and VAR are checking for a possible penalty.

Ireland get forward for the first time and Chiedozie Ogbene's goal-bound shot is blocked by Milos Kerkez.

GOAL PORTUGAL

Portugal also make a fast start against Armenia and Renato Veiga finds the net with a header inside the six-yard area.

Quick offside check but the goal stands in Hungary.

GOAL HUNGARY

Szoboszlai's cross finds Dániel Lukács, who manages to connect inside a packed-out six-yard area with a thumping low header past Caoimhin Kelleher.

Hungary are looking to make a fast start and Dominik Szoboszlai whips in a dangerous corner into a packed six-yard area. Ireland manage to react first and clear the danger.

KICK OFF

Hungary vs Ireland and Portugal vs Armenia get underway.

Only 10 minutes to go until kick-off in Group F. Who will make it through to the World Cup finals next year?

Ireland boss Heimer Hallgrimsson outlines his side's approach for today's encounter in Hungary.

Portugal will qualify directly for the World Cup as Group F winners if they defeat Armenia at home this afternoon.

Hungary can secure second spot with a win or a draw against the Republic of Ireland, while the Boys in Green must defeat the Magyars to break into the top two spots.

First up, Group F is set for a cracking finale with Portugal, Hungary and the Republic of Ireland jostling for a spot inside the top two.

Here's how things stand in that World Cup qualifying group.

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of Sunday's 2026 World Cup qualifiers.