UEFA World Cup Qualifying Matches to Watch: Sunday | OneFootball

Welcome to Matchday 10! By the end of the day, four groups will have a winner moving forward to the World Cup. In keeping with final match day traditions, all games within a group are scheduled to play simultaneously.

If Matchday 9 had gone the way most predicted, every game here would have been pointless from an advancement perspective. But given one big Matchday 9 result we actually have some worthwhile contests to pay attention to.

Hungary vs. Republic of Ireland (Group F)

Group F Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 9:00am ETGroup F is so tight. Three different teams are within striking distance of qualification. Realistically, however, this match is a battle for the second place spot and a seat in the play–off round. Ireland’s surprise defeat of Portugal Thursday sets the stage for an epic winner-take-all battle in Budapest. Hungary just squeaked by Armenia with a 1 – 0 win.

Portugal vs. Armenia  (Group F)

Kickoff @ 9:00am ETDespite their fumble against Ireland on Thursday, Portugal still has their fate in their hands. A home tie against Armenia should result in a win, though Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card for violent conduct has put the hosts in a bind. He’s scored five of their eleven goals, so his presence up top will be missed. Even a draw should put them through the group as #1.

Ukraine vs. Iceland (Group D)

Group D Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ETWith both teams vying for the play-off spot, this promises to be a supercharged atmosphere. Ukraine looked much better in play than their 4 – 0 scoreline to France implies. Iceland will have their hands full, but only require a draw to move on.

Azerbaijan vs. France (Group D)

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ETDead rubber of a match, this. France has already won the group; Azerbaijan is eliminated from the playoffs. Don’t expect to see any big names suit up for France today.

Albania vs. England (Group K)

Group K Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ETOur second dead rubber match. England are through; Albania already have the play-off spot. Expect both sides to test out new players and tactics, which could make this an interesting watch but will probably result in very little true quality.

Serbia vs. Latvia (Group K)

Kickoff @ 12:00pm ETI’m all for playing for pride, but that doesn’t mean I have to watch it.

Norway vs. Italy (Group I)

Group I Standings. Source: Wikipedia

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ETNormally this would be labeled a “pride match” as the outcome won’t change the current standings (theoretically Italy can advance if they defeat Norway by 17 goals, but let’s be real). But two factors make this a must-watch game. First, Erling Haaland. He’s on fire, has 14 goals in 7 matches, and should still be starting to add to that tally. Second, Italy never says die and will give it their all.

Israel vs. Moldova (Group I)

Kickoff @ 2:45pm ETAnother game for pride. If you support either side then be my guest, otherwise watch the other fixture.