📝 The best moments so far in the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying | OneFootball

With the first day of the opening matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe now over, it’s time to recap the best and most noteworthy moments.

The Star: Tielemans, or How to Put on a Show in Style

📸 FABRICE COFFRINI - AFP or licensors

Belgium thrashed Liechtenstein as expected, and the standout player in that match was Youri Tielemans. The midfielder scored twice and kept orchestrating the play. Arthur Theate and De Cuyper also stood out.

The Surprise: Germany’s Stunning Defeat

📸 JOE KLAMAR - AFP or licensors

For the first time in their history, Germany has lost their debut in a qualifying phase, and also for the first time in their 52nd away match, they have been defeated. All this happened against a very brave Slovakia.

Dubravka, Strelec, Hancko, and Sauer excelled in causing trouble for Nagelsmann’s Germany.

The Disappointment: Netherlands Concede an Equalizer in the 80th Minute

📸 MAURICE VAN STEEN

A late goal from Matty Cash left De Kuip stunned in what seemed destined to be a key victory for the Netherlands after Dumfries’ goal.

Now there’s a three-way tie between the Dutch, the Polish, and the Finnish, with the Netherlands having one game in hand. Only two will qualify for the World Cup.

Other Results from the Matchday

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JOE KLAMAR - AFP or licensors