📸 De Bruyne brace, Nkunku stunner 💥 France, Switzerland held ⛔ 🐭 on pitch | OneFootball

The European qualifying journey towards the 2026 World Cup, scheduled between the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, continues at a fast pace.

The qualification evening offered goals, twists, and even... a truly unusual pitch invasion: that of a little mouse on the field during the match between Wales and Belgium.

Among the absolute stars are De Bruyne from Napoli, Nkunku from Milan, and a group of Serie A players who shone with their respective national teams.

🧨 De Bruyne impeccable from the penalty spot and the little mouse

Belgium takes a giant step towards the World Cup by beating Wales 4-2 in Cardiff.

Kevin De Bruyne was a great protagonist, scoring a brace – both goals from penalties – and confirming his infallibility from the spot: four penalties out of four converted between Napoli and the National team this season.

The curious episode occurred in the 65th minute when a little mouse invaded the field, interrupting the match and bringing smiles to players and the audience.

After the unexpected event, Rudi Garcia's Red Devils secured the victory with Trossard's goal and overtook North Macedonia at the top of Group J.

⛔ Nkunku's stunning goal, but France wastes the match point

France missed the first match point for qualification, held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland.

After Iceland took the lead, Nkunku equalized with a spectacular goal after having missed an easy chance just minutes before.

Mateta put France ahead, but Hlynsson stunned Deschamps at the end.

A bitter evening for the Blues and Switzerland, who could have secured their World Cup spots but were held to a 0-0 draw in Slovenia and a 2-2 draw with Iceland, respectively.

The chasers took advantage: Kosovo and Ukraine closed the gap, making the race towards 2026 increasingly uncertain and exciting.

💪 Malinovskyi unstoppable, SURPRISE Obert

Ruslan Malinovskyi confirms he is in top form. After a brace against Iceland, the Genoa midfielder led Ukraine to a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan with a goal and an assist.

First, he delivered a perfect free kick for Hutsuliak's opener, then in the second half, he scored the decisive goal with power. A dominant performance that reignites Rebrov's team's qualification hopes.

Slovakia also shines with the contribution of a Serie A player. Cagliari defender Adam Obert opened the scoring in the 2-0 win against Luxembourg, capitalizing on an assist from former Verona player Duda.

A success that keeps hopes alive in Group A, where Slovakia remains level with Germany.

🇩🇪 Woltemade, the man of the moment in Germany

Speaking of Germany, Nick Woltemade "turns (almost) every ball he touches into a goal".

First call-up as a starter and first goal for the new Newcastle striker in the senior National team. Germany narrowly defeated Northern Ireland thanks to his strike.

For him, it's the fourth goal in the last five matches between club and National team (against Nottingham Forest, Union St. Gilloise, Arsenal, and now Northern Ireland). An explosion that establishes him as the new face of the German attack.

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

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors