UEFA World Cup Qualifying Matches to Watch: Thursday | OneFootball

Lest we be accused of too much cynicism towards the upcoming World Cup, we’ll remind our readers that the European qualifiers will be decided over this international break. So I guess that’s a good reason to suspend all the leagues we usually watch for a weekend. There’s only one team to have guaranteed a World Cup spot so far: England. Which means that at least one game of the two that remain in any group will truly matter.

Below are all the fixtures scheduled for Thursday, November 13. We’ll break down when they kick off, which ones really matter and which ones are simply glorified friendlies. For what it’s worth, only Groups D, F, I and K are playing.

Azerbaijan vs. Iceland (Group D)

Group D Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ET It’s a must-win game for both sides, though realistically Azerbaijan is doomed. They must beat Iceland here, France in the final match next week, AND overcome that whopping -9 goal differential. An Iceland win gives them hope, particularly if France defeats Ukraine on Thursday. They would jump into second place, and then Sunday’s head-to-head would be a winner take all scenario.

Armenia vs. Hungary (Group F)

Group F Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ET Armenia is effectively eliminated, so only Hungary has some skin in this game. They’re currently in second place but on a razor’s edge. A win here (plus an Irish loss) would guarantee them a play-off spot. Expect all stops to be pulled in this contest.

Norway vs. Estonia (Group I)

Group I Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ET Only Norway and Italy matter in this group; everyone else is toast. Norway have been utterly ruthless in qualifying and it’s hard to see them stopping now. They have a ridiculous +26 goal difference. Expect them to add to that total. By a lot.

France vs. Ukraine (Group D)

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ET France already have a play-off spot guaranteed from their Nations League play. But direct qualification is always better (and means fewer games played). A win over Ukraine locks that berth in, and they can field a young side next week for the final match.

Republic of Ireland vs. Portugal (Group F)

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ET Eire sit in third, a point behind Hungary. That makes this match more than a must-win. It almost feels like national pride is on the line. The Boys in Green must seize the day and send Portugal packing, allowing the embers of hope to burst into open flame. Personally, I’m watching this one to see what sort of drama Cristiano Ronaldo could bring.

Moldova vs. Italy (Group I)

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ET Tiny Moldova has no chance here. Italy should win comfortably, setting up a showdown against group leaders Norway on Sunday. In the matter of wine, both countries are winners. I guess that’s something.

Andorra vs. Albania (Group K)

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ET England has already got the spot; everyone else is playing for second and a play-off spot. Well, in reality Albania is playing for it. They’re currently in second place, with Serbia breathing down their necks a point behind. A win tonight would go a LONG way to guarantee their play-off berth.

England vs. Serbia (Group K)

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ET For England, the next two matches are essentially opportunities for manager Thomas Tuchel to fine-tune his roster. Things have never looked better for the Lions, and they have to be one of the favorites in 2026. But the mercurial and brutal English press has a low tolerance for failure, even when the job has been done. Don’t expect to see any mercy towards Serbia, who would be in BIG trouble with a loss.