Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were Friday recalled by England for the team's final two World Cup qualifiers after what manager Thomas Tuchel described as "immense performances" for their clubs. England, who secured qualification for next year's tournament with two matches to spare, host Serbia at Wembley next Thursday and face Albania away three days later. Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham was left out of Tuchel's squad for games in October, when the 22-year-old had just returned from shoulder surgery.&nbsp;Manchester City forward Phil Foden, who scored two goals in his club's 4-1 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, has not played for England since March.&nbsp;"I think the contribution of both of them to their clubs lately was immense," Tuchel told reporters on Friday.&nbsp;"They play regularly, of course, they play a big part and a big role in the success of Real and City's matches lately.&nbsp;"They score regularly decisive goals, so we're delighted that they're in shape, in form and back with us."&nbsp;Tuchel said last month that Bellingham's high-profile omission from his squad for the Group K fixtures against Wales and Latvia was due to his "lack of rhythm" and was nothing personal.&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-bowlers-in-latest-icc-t20i-rankings-2025-varun-chakaravarthy-akeal-hosein-rashid-khan-wanindu-hasaranga-adil-rashid-1762406438495">Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC T20I rankings 2025, check which Indian tops the list</a>&nbsp;The German said in August he had apologised to the midfielder after "unintentionally" describing his on-pitch behaviour as "repulsive".&nbsp;"He is still young, if you look at his career it feels sometimes he's 26, 28, but he's still a very young player and he has our full support," the England boss said on Friday.&nbsp;"We want to provide a stable environment for him, that he can show the level of performance that helps us to be a better team."&nbsp;Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is the most eye-catching new inclusion in the 25-man squad, with Nico O'Reilly and Jarell Quansah the other uncapped players involved.&nbsp;There are recalls for Adam Wharton and Nick Pope while Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Trafford and Ollie Watkins have dropped out.&nbsp;Tuchel opted against recalling midfielder Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton from Manchester City, while Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also misses out.&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-batters-with-most-sixes-in-india-vs-australia-t20is-glenn-maxwell-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-suryakumar-yadav-shane-watson-1762423044020">Meet top 5 batters with most sixes in India vs Australia T20Is, check who tops the list</a>&nbsp;Euro 2024 runners-up England sealed their place at year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States last month with&nbsp;a 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Euro 2024 runners-up England sealed their place at year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States last month with a 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga.

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were Friday recalled by England for the team's final two World Cup qualifiers after what manager Thomas Tuchel described as "immense performances" for their clubs. England, who secured qualification for next year's tournament with two matches to spare, host Serbia at Wembley next Thursday and face Albania away three days later. Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham was left out of Tuchel's squad for games in October, when the 22-year-old had just returned from shoulder surgery. Manchester City forward Phil Foden, who scored two goals in his club's 4-1 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, has not played for England since March. "I think the contribution of both of them to their clubs lately was immense," Tuchel told reporters on Friday. "They play regularly, of course, they play a big part and a big role in the success of Real and City's matches lately. "They score regularly decisive goals, so we're delighted that they're in shape, in form and back with us." Tuchel said last month that Bellingham's high-profile omission from his squad for the Group K fixtures against Wales and Latvia was due to his "lack of rhythm" and was nothing personal. Also Check - Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC T20I rankings 2025, check which Indian tops the list The German said in August he had apologised to the midfielder after "unintentionally" describing his on-pitch behaviour as "repulsive". "He is still young, if you look at his career it feels sometimes he's 26, 28, but he's still a very young player and he has our full support," the England boss said on Friday. "We want to provide a stable environment for him, that he can show the level of performance that helps us to be a better team." Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is the most eye-catching new inclusion in the 25-man squad, with Nico O'Reilly and Jarell Quansah the other uncapped players involved. There are recalls for Adam Wharton and Nick Pope while Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Trafford and Ollie Watkins have dropped out. Tuchel opted against recalling midfielder Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton from Manchester City, while Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also misses out. Also Check - Meet top 5 batters with most sixes in India vs Australia T20Is, check who tops the list Euro 2024 runners-up England sealed their place at year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States last month with a 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Euro 2024 runners-up England sealed their place at year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States last month with&nbsp;a 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga.

2026 World Cup qualifiers: Thomas Tuchel recalls Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden to national squad. Check full team list here

A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde's capital Praia on Monday after the tiny archipelago nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Honking horns and street fireworks greeted euphoric fans pouring out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.&nbsp;It was "an incredible moment", 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told AFP near the stadium. "I don't have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally," he said.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injury-hit-france-held-by-iceland-as-germany-close-in-on-2026-world-cup-qualification-1760411393547">Injury-hit France held by Iceland as Germany close in on 2026 World Cup qualification</a>&nbsp;Congratulating Cape Verde on their "historic moment", FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the achievement was likely to "power a new generation of football lovers" across the nation.&nbsp;Cape Verde, located off the coast of Senegal, is the country with the smallest population to represent Africa in the global showpiece, with just 550,000 inhabitants.&nbsp;It becomes the second-least populous nation to reach the World Cup, after Iceland, with just over 350,000, at Russia 2018.<h3>‘Victory for all’</h3>&nbsp;"I shouted a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I am happy," Praia resident Jose Vieira told AFP after the victory, which he watched live in the stadium.&nbsp;The celebrations were expected to continue into the night with a concert at Praia's municipal stadium featuring local artists such as Djodje and Soraia Ramos.&nbsp;Blue Sharks Coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito told the press that "giving this happiness to these people is enormous", adding that "it's a victory for all the Cape Verdean people".&nbsp;Cape Verde won Group D with 23 points, four more than Cameroon, who hold the African record for World Cup appearances with eight. Cameroon drew 0-0 with Angola in Yaounde.&nbsp;An archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and first attempted to reach the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;"It's a special moment in this celebration of the 50th anniversary of our independence," coach Bubista said.&nbsp;"It's a victory for all the Cape Verdean people and, above all, a victory for those who fought for our independence."&nbsp;On the island of Sao Vicente, Doris Da Luz, a trader and entrepreneur, told AFP that she was "very proud".&nbsp;"It's a fight we've been trying to achieve for a long time and finally coach Bubista managed to get us there", said Da Luz, dressed in the team's blue.&nbsp;The team reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on their debut in 2013 and again in 2023 and are currently ranked 70th in the world.&nbsp;"It's time to celebrate," 39-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha told reporters, explaining that he had "been dreaming of this moment since I was a child".&nbsp;Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Cape Verde have now won groups and filled six of the nine places automatically reserved for Africa at the 2026 World Cup.&nbsp;Fan Jose Jorge Borges, a 60-year-old journalist, told AFP in Praia it was a very memorable moment for Cape Verdeans.&nbsp;"The emotions are visible and difficult to describe", he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Honking horns and street fireworks greeted euphoric fans pouring out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde's capital Praia on Monday after the tiny archipelago nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Honking horns and street fireworks greeted euphoric fans pouring out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music. It was "an incredible moment", 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told AFP near the stadium. "I don't have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally," he said. Also read | Injury-hit France held by Iceland as Germany close in on 2026 World Cup qualification Congratulating Cape Verde on their "historic moment", FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the achievement was likely to "power a new generation of football lovers" across the nation. Cape Verde, located off the coast of Senegal, is the country with the smallest population to represent Africa in the global showpiece, with just 550,000 inhabitants. It becomes the second-least populous nation to reach the World Cup, after Iceland, with just over 350,000, at Russia 2018. ‘Victory for all’ "I shouted a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I am happy," Praia resident Jose Vieira told AFP after the victory, which he watched live in the stadium. The celebrations were expected to continue into the night with a concert at Praia's municipal stadium featuring local artists such as Djodje and Soraia Ramos. Blue Sharks Coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito told the press that "giving this happiness to these people is enormous", adding that "it's a victory for all the Cape Verdean people". Cape Verde won Group D with 23 points, four more than Cameroon, who hold the African record for World Cup appearances with eight. Cameroon drew 0-0 with Angola in Yaounde. An archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and first attempted to reach the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. "It's a special moment in this celebration of the 50th anniversary of our independence," coach Bubista said. "It's a victory for all the Cape Verdean people and, above all, a victory for those who fought for our independence." On the island of Sao Vicente, Doris Da Luz, a trader and entrepreneur, told AFP that she was "very proud". "It's a fight we've been trying to achieve for a long time and finally coach Bubista managed to get us there", said Da Luz, dressed in the team's blue. The team reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on their debut in 2013 and again in 2023 and are currently ranked 70th in the world. "It's time to celebrate," 39-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha told reporters, explaining that he had "been dreaming of this moment since I was a child". Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Cape Verde have now won groups and filled six of the nine places automatically reserved for Africa at the 2026 World Cup. Fan Jose Jorge Borges, a 60-year-old journalist, told AFP in Praia it was a very memorable moment for Cape Verdeans. "The emotions are visible and difficult to describe", he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Honking horns and street fireworks greeted euphoric fans pouring out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Cape Verde erupts in joy after maiden FIFA World Cup qualification

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to pass 50 international goals in record time as Norway cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Israel on Saturday, edging closer to qualifying for a first World Cup finals since 1998. Before the match in Oslo, hundreds of people attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration, chanting "Free Palestine" to protest against Israel's "genocide" in Gaza, AFP journalists reported. Norwegian police dispersed a gathering of pro-Palestinian activists with tear gas and made several arrests. Inside the Ullevaal Stadium, several dozen Israeli fans waved their country's flag and a banner reading "Let the Ball Talk!".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inter-miami-lionel-messi-leads-race-for-mls-golden-boot-with-brace-in-win-over-atlanta-united-1760240615319">Miami’s Messi leads race for MLS Golden Boot with brace in win over Atlanta</a>&nbsp;Norway now lead Group I with 18 points, six more than second-placed Italy, who beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to stay on track for qualification.&nbsp;The comfortable win in Oslo leaves Norway firmly in control of the group as they seek a place at next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;After a meek performance, Israel take on Italy in Udine on Tuesday knowing they must win to keep alive their fading hopes of qualifying.&nbsp;Haaland became the fastest player in men's international football to reach 50 goals for his country and now boasts 51 goals for Norway in just 46 games.&nbsp;His early penalty was saved by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz but the referee ordered the spot-kick to be retaken for encroachment inside the area, only for Peretz to parry away Haaland's second effort.&nbsp;But Norway forged ahead in the 18th minute through an Anan Khalaili own goal, before Haaland raced clear to score. Norway got their third from an Idan Nachmias own goal.&nbsp;Manchester City forward Haaland added his second with a powerful header before nodding in to complete his sixth hat-trick for his country with 18 minutes left.&nbsp;Italy, attempting to reach their first World Cup finals since 2014, moved a step closer thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito in Tallinn.&nbsp;The Italians move three points ahead of Israel in second place in Group I, which offers a play-off spot.&nbsp;Italy's meeting with Israel is expected to be a tense affair, surrounded by pro-Palestinian protests and only 5,000 tickets have been sold.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Norway now lead Group I with 18 points, six more than second-placed Italy, who beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to stay on track for qualification.

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to pass 50 international goals in record time as Norway cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Israel on Saturday, edging closer to qualifying for a first World Cup finals since 1998. Before the match in Oslo, hundreds of people attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration, chanting "Free Palestine" to protest against Israel's "genocide" in Gaza, AFP journalists reported. Norwegian police dispersed a gathering of pro-Palestinian activists with tear gas and made several arrests. Inside the Ullevaal Stadium, several dozen Israeli fans waved their country's flag and a banner reading "Let the Ball Talk!". Also read | Miami’s Messi leads race for MLS Golden Boot with brace in win over Atlanta Norway now lead Group I with 18 points, six more than second-placed Italy, who beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to stay on track for qualification. The comfortable win in Oslo leaves Norway firmly in control of the group as they seek a place at next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. After a meek performance, Israel take on Italy in Udine on Tuesday knowing they must win to keep alive their fading hopes of qualifying. Haaland became the fastest player in men's international football to reach 50 goals for his country and now boasts 51 goals for Norway in just 46 games. His early penalty was saved by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz but the referee ordered the spot-kick to be retaken for encroachment inside the area, only for Peretz to parry away Haaland's second effort. But Norway forged ahead in the 18th minute through an Anan Khalaili own goal, before Haaland raced clear to score. Norway got their third from an Idan Nachmias own goal. Manchester City forward Haaland added his second with a powerful header before nodding in to complete his sixth hat-trick for his country with 18 minutes left. Italy, attempting to reach their first World Cup finals since 2014, moved a step closer thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito in Tallinn. The Italians move three points ahead of Israel in second place in Group I, which offers a play-off spot. Italy's meeting with Israel is expected to be a tense affair, surrounded by pro-Palestinian protests and only 5,000 tickets have been sold. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Norway now lead Group I with 18 points, six more than second-placed Italy, who beat Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn to stay on track for qualification.

Haaland’s hat-trick puts Norway on brink of World Cup qualification as Italy stay in hunt

Lionel Messi will miss two World Cup qualifiers after he was on Monday left out of the Argentina squad for games against Uruguay and Brazil because he reportedly suffered an injury in a club game the day before.
After missing three games for his club, Inter Miami, at the start of March with a pulled muscle, the 37-year-old Messi returned with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. He played a full 90 minutes and scored again in an MLS win in Atlanta on Sunday but, Argentinian media reported, then felt muscle discomfort.&nbsp;
Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, can ensure qualification for next year's tournament in their two games on the current international group.&nbsp;
They lead the 10-team South American qualifying group by five points from Uruguay and visit Montevideo on Friday before hosting Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.&nbsp;
The top six teams qualify directly for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The seventh-placed team is currently Bolivia with 13 points.
After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer in the competition with six goals. &nbsp;
Argentina are also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Paulo Montiel.
Brazil, will be without 33-year-old Neymar, who has suffered a thigh injury and has had to postpone his return to the national team, who are fifth, seven points behind Argentina.
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<h2>Squad</h2>
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, ENG), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille, FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven, NED).&nbsp;
Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille, FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham, ENG), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica, POR), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon, FRA), Facundo Medina (Lens, FRA), Juan Foyth (Villarreal, ESP), German Pezzella (River Plate)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma, ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, GER), Maximo Perrone (Como, ITA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea, ENG), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Benjamin Dominguez (Bologne, ITA), Thiago Almada (Lyon, FRA)
Forwards: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, ITA), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Nicolas Paz (Como, ITA), Santiago Castro (Bologna, ITA), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus, ITA).
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports, Football: Lionel Messi will miss two World Cup qualifiers after he was on Monday left out of the Argentina squad for games against Uruguay and Brazil.

Lionel Messi will miss two World Cup qualifiers after he was on Monday left out of the Argentina squad for games against Uruguay and Brazil because he reportedly suffered an injury in a club game the day before. After missing three games for his club, Inter Miami, at the start of March with a pulled muscle, the 37-year-old Messi returned with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. He played a full 90 minutes and scored again in an MLS win in Atlanta on Sunday but, Argentinian media reported, then felt muscle discomfort. Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, can ensure qualification for next year's tournament in their two games on the current international group. They lead the 10-team South American qualifying group by five points from Uruguay and visit Montevideo on Friday before hosting Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25. The top six teams qualify directly for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The seventh-placed team is currently Bolivia with 13 points. After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer in the competition with six goals. Argentina are also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Paulo Montiel. Brazil, will be without 33-year-old Neymar, who has suffered a thigh injury and has had to postpone his return to the national team, who are fifth, seven points behind Argentina. ALSO READ | Know why BCCI has asked all ten IPL captains to gather ahead of IPL 2025 Squad Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, ENG), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille, FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven, NED). Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille, FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham, ENG), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica, POR), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon, FRA), Facundo Medina (Lens, FRA), Juan Foyth (Villarreal, ESP), German Pezzella (River Plate) Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma, ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, GER), Maximo Perrone (Como, ITA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea, ENG), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Benjamin Dominguez (Bologne, ITA), Thiago Almada (Lyon, FRA) Forwards: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, ITA), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid, ESP), Nicolas Paz (Como, ITA), Santiago Castro (Bologna, ITA), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus, ITA). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Lionel Messi out injured as Argentina seek to seal place in group stage

England were placed in a group with Serbia as the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe took place on Friday.

As they prepare to begin life under new coach Thomas Tuchel, England were also drawn alongside Albania, Latvia and Andorra in the five-team Group K.

England, who have qualified for every World Cup since missing the 1994 tournament in the United States, played Serbia in their opening game at Euro 2024, winning 1-0 thanks to a Jude Bellingham goal.

Matches will take place between March and November next year, with the group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup in North America.

The runners-up in each of the 12 qualifying groups will get a second chance via a series of play-offs, with Europe now contributing a total of 16 nations to the expanded 48-team competition.

The exact make-up of the groups is not yet completely clear as it depends on the outcome of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals next March.

Those ties will see reigning European champions Spain face the Netherlands, while Germany play Italy, Portugal take on Denmark and France meet Croatia.

The groups in which these teams end up depend on whether they win and progress to the Nations League semi-finals next June, or are eliminated.

France, who have been to the last two World Cup finals, will be in a group with Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan should they reach the Nations League final four.

However, should they go out of the Nations League to Croatia in the last eight, they will go into World Cup qualifying Group L with the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands and Gibraltar.

Reigning European champions Spain, who also won the last edition of the Nations League, will be in a group with Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria should they defeat the Netherlands in their quarter-final.

The loser of Spain's tie against the Dutch will be placed in Group G with Poland, Finland, Lithuania and Malta.

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There are six groups of five teams who will begin qualifying in March, while the six groups of four teams will only start next September.

Scotland, who are bidding to qualify for a first World Cup since 1998, were drawn in Group C in which they will play Greece, Belarus and the loser of the Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark.

Greece and Scotland are also due to play each other in a play-off next March to decide who is in the top tier of the next edition of the Nations League.

Wales were drawn in the same group as Belgium, as was already the case in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, when both teams made it to the finals in Qatar.

Those sides will also come up against North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and minnows Liechtenstein in Group J.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

England were placed in a group with Serbia as the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe took place on Friday. As they prepare to begin life under new coach Thomas Tuchel, England were also drawn alongside Albania, Latvia and Andorra in the five-team Group K.

England were placed in a group with Serbia as the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe took place on Friday. As they prepare to begin life under new coach Thomas Tuchel, England were also drawn alongside Albania, Latvia and Andorra in the five-team Group K. England, who have qualified for every World Cup since missing the 1994 tournament in the United States, played Serbia in their opening game at Euro 2024, winning 1-0 thanks to a Jude Bellingham goal. Matches will take place between March and November next year, with the group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup in North America. The runners-up in each of the 12 qualifying groups will get a second chance via a series of play-offs, with Europe now contributing a total of 16 nations to the expanded 48-team competition. The exact make-up of the groups is not yet completely clear as it depends on the outcome of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals next March. Those ties will see reigning European champions Spain face the Netherlands, while Germany play Italy, Portugal take on Denmark and France meet Croatia. The groups in which these teams end up depend on whether they win and progress to the Nations League semi-finals next June, or are eliminated. France, who have been to the last two World Cup finals, will be in a group with Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan should they reach the Nations League final four. However, should they go out of the Nations League to Croatia in the last eight, they will go into World Cup qualifying Group L with the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands and Gibraltar. Reigning European champions Spain, who also won the last edition of the Nations League, will be in a group with Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria should they defeat the Netherlands in their quarter-final. The loser of Spain's tie against the Dutch will be placed in Group G with Poland, Finland, Lithuania and Malta. ALSO READ | Manchester City discloses bumper Premier League revenue for last season There are six groups of five teams who will begin qualifying in March, while the six groups of four teams will only start next September. Scotland, who are bidding to qualify for a first World Cup since 1998, were drawn in Group C in which they will play Greece, Belarus and the loser of the Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark. Greece and Scotland are also due to play each other in a play-off next March to decide who is in the top tier of the next edition of the Nations League. Wales were drawn in the same group as Belgium, as was already the case in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, when both teams made it to the finals in Qatar. Those sides will also come up against North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and minnows Liechtenstein in Group J. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: England to face Serbia, Albania in group stage

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to&nbsp;injury, with Paulo Dybala recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni's squad on Monday.

Messi has not played for club side Inter Miami since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final.

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Roma forward Dybala has not made an international appearance since March 2023 but could get an opportunity to add to his 38 caps in Messi's absence.

The reigning world champions will also be without Angel Di Maria after the veteran winger's international retirement.

Argentina are currently top of South American qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The top six teams in the 10-nation table will qualify automatically for the finals.

Scaloni's men will host Chile on September 6, before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille/FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven/NED)&nbsp;

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille/FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham/ENG), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon/FRA), Valentin Barco (Sevilla/ESP).&nbsp;

Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham/ENG), Leandro Paredes (Roma/ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham/ENG)&nbsp;

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Valentin Carboni (Monza/ITA) Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio/ITA), Matias Soule (Roma/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Roma/ITA)

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to injury, with Paulo Dybala recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni's squad on Monday.

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to injury, with Paulo Dybala recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni's squad on Monday. Messi has not played for club side Inter Miami since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final. Also Read: Novak Djokovic chases rafts of records in quest to defend US Open title Roma forward Dybala has not made an international appearance since March 2023 but could get an opportunity to add to his 38 caps in Messi's absence. The reigning world champions will also be without Angel Di Maria after the veteran winger's international retirement. Argentina are currently top of South American qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The top six teams in the 10-nation table will qualify automatically for the finals. Scaloni's men will host Chile on September 6, before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later. Squad Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille/FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven/NED) Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille/FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham/ENG), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon/FRA), Valentin Barco (Sevilla/ESP). Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham/ENG), Leandro Paredes (Roma/ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham/ENG) Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Valentin Carboni (Monza/ITA) Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio/ITA), Matias Soule (Roma/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Roma/ITA)

Lionel Messi missing from Argentina squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Dorival Junior was unveiled on Thursday as the head coach of the Brazil men's national team and he vowed to turn around the side's fortunes after a run of poor results in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Former Sao Paulo coach signed a contract until December 2026 and takes over following the sacking of Fernando Diniz.

"Today I am here representing the most winning team on the planet, the one that inspires many around the world. And it has the obligation to win again," Dorival told a news conference. "Our moment is difficult. But nothing that is impossible to reverse quickly."

The five-time world champions have been going through a turbulent period since being knocked out from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals.

That loss on penalties to Croatia led to the departure of coach Tite.

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Brazil were then guided by Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes before the interim appointment of Diniz last year.

They have lost three of their six qualifiers to date, winning only two matches. They are sixth in the standings, trailing leaders and World Cup holders Argentina by eight points.

Dorival emerged as the leading candidate for the job after Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid following failed negotiations to manage the South American side.

"There is no one to blame. There is no interference, there is nothing like that. What we need from now on is to look for solutions," the 61-year-old Dorival added.

"We need to deliver a reliable national team, one that gives us all credibility. Brazilian football is very strong, it reinvents itself. It cannot go through the moment it is going through. Let it serve as a lesson so we can find a new way forward."

Dorival's first match in charge will be a friendly against England on March 23.

Dorival Junior was unveiled on Thursday as the head coach of the Brazil men's national team and he vowed to turn around the side's fortunes after a run of poor results in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Dorival Junior was unveiled on Thursday as the head coach of the Brazil men's national team and he vowed to turn around the side's fortunes after a run of poor results in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Former Sao Paulo coach signed a contract until December 2026 and takes over following the sacking of Fernando Diniz. "Today I am here representing the most winning team on the planet, the one that inspires many around the world. And it has the obligation to win again," Dorival told a news conference. "Our moment is difficult. But nothing that is impossible to reverse quickly." The five-time world champions have been going through a turbulent period since being knocked out from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals. That loss on penalties to Croatia led to the departure of coach Tite. ALSO READ: Barcelona sets up clash vs Real Madrid in Super Cup final after 2-0 win over Osasuna Brazil were then guided by Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes before the interim appointment of Diniz last year. They have lost three of their six qualifiers to date, winning only two matches. They are sixth in the standings, trailing leaders and World Cup holders Argentina by eight points. Dorival emerged as the leading candidate for the job after Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid following failed negotiations to manage the South American side. "There is no one to blame. There is no interference, there is nothing like that. What we need from now on is to look for solutions," the 61-year-old Dorival added. "We need to deliver a reliable national team, one that gives us all credibility. Brazilian football is very strong, it reinvents itself. It cannot go through the moment it is going through. Let it serve as a lesson so we can find a new way forward." Dorival's first match in charge will be a friendly against England on March 23.

New Brazil coach Dorival Junior promises to turn fortunes after poor 2026 World Cup qualifiers run

Nigerian football has been thrown into shock after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with anger directed at Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro. Nigeria had to come from behind against Lesotho, ranked 153rd&nbsp;by FIFA, in the game played on Thursday in the southern Nigerian city of Uyo

Despite the absence through injury of star forward Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Nigeria had been expected to make a winning start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Peseiro, 63, has been made the scapegoat. The well-travelled former Venezuela coach was never a popular choice to head the three-time African champions, but the decision to extend his contract till next year’s Africa Cup of Nations has drawn criticism. Nigeria had won all three head-to-head meetings against the southern Africans before Thursday’s draw.

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Former Nigeria international defender Ifeanyi Udeze said he was enraged by the "unacceptable" result. "This was our first World Cup qualifier in front of the home fans and we couldn’t beat Lesotho. "This was a match not against Cameroon or the Ivory Coast or Ghana. This was a loss." Analyst David Mikel Okoye blamed the disappointing start by the Eagles squarely on Peseiro.

“That the Super Eagles will go nowhere with Jose Peseiro’s absolutely limited tactical nous is no secret,” he said. “The man does not know how best to utilize this team and he keeps picking the wrong personnel per game with a limiting formation."

Sports journalist Wale Ajayi said it was a mistake to renew the contract of the Portuguese coach. "Peseiro has to go, he's a bad coach," he said. "Renewing his contract was renewing disaster."

Peseiro himself blamed bad luck for the draw. "I am sad of course, disappointed by the result, but my team tried to do the maximum," he said.

"We had 76% of the ball possession against 24%, the opponents only had two chances to score and scored a goal.“We had many chances to score. It was bad luck." Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and were knocked out of the last Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage by Tunisia.

Nigerian football has been thrown into shock after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with anger directed at Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro.

Nigerian football has been thrown into shock after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with anger directed at Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro. Nigeria had to come from behind against Lesotho, ranked 153rd by FIFA, in the game played on Thursday in the southern Nigerian city of Uyo Despite the absence through injury of star forward Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Nigeria had been expected to make a winning start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Peseiro, 63, has been made the scapegoat. The well-travelled former Venezuela coach was never a popular choice to head the three-time African champions, but the decision to extend his contract till next year’s Africa Cup of Nations has drawn criticism. Nigeria had won all three head-to-head meetings against the southern Africans before Thursday’s draw. Also Read: USWNT star Trinity Rodman meets Serena Williams after win against China. Almost gets embarrassed | Read Why Former Nigeria international defender Ifeanyi Udeze said he was enraged by the "unacceptable" result. "This was our first World Cup qualifier in front of the home fans and we couldn’t beat Lesotho. "This was a match not against Cameroon or the Ivory Coast or Ghana. This was a loss." Analyst David Mikel Okoye blamed the disappointing start by the Eagles squarely on Peseiro. “That the Super Eagles will go nowhere with Jose Peseiro’s absolutely limited tactical nous is no secret,” he said. “The man does not know how best to utilize this team and he keeps picking the wrong personnel per game with a limiting formation." Sports journalist Wale Ajayi said it was a mistake to renew the contract of the Portuguese coach. "Peseiro has to go, he's a bad coach," he said. "Renewing his contract was renewing disaster." Peseiro himself blamed bad luck for the draw. "I am sad of course, disappointed by the result, but my team tried to do the maximum," he said. "We had 76% of the ball possession against 24%, the opponents only had two chances to score and scored a goal.“We had many chances to score. It was bad luck." Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and were knocked out of the last Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage by Tunisia.

Nigerian Football in shock after Super Eagles draws with Lesotho in World Cup Qualifier

The Israel-Gaza conflict has disrupted preparations by the Palestinian team for their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on Thursday, but the players are determined to put on a good showing, a team official and player said.

The match is being played in neutral venue of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, because of the conflict.

It had originally been scheduled to be played in Beirut, with the Palestinians set to host Australia the following week, but Israel's response to the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 forced officials to find new venues.

The Palestinians usually host games at Al-Ram's Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium on the West Bank.

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"Everything changed after Oct. 7 with the start of the conflict in Gaza," Palestine Football Association (PFA) media manager Ahmed Rajoub told the National media outlet.

"All sporting activities stopped completely in Palestine, and the football team was forced to move to Jordan. The first real training for the national team ... took place on Monday in Sharjah four days ago."

"We had some training sessions in Jordan, and in the absence of Gazan players, this was not enough to prepare for an ideal match in the qualifiers."

Lebanon and the Palestinians meet at the Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium in the UAE before the latter take on Australia in Kuwait on Nov. 21.

Rajoub said the situation in Gaza was weighing heavily on the players.

"We just can't get the players focused on the game when people are killed and injured every day since the conflict started," he said. "The players don't talk about football, but about the war, and when they are in the room or the bus, they rush to follow the current events via their mobile phones to check on their families, relatives and friends.

"But we want to say, despite all these issues and this difficult period, the players definitely want to win, no matter how hard it may be."

Palestinian midfielder Mohammed Rashid said the team would give their best.

"It's really hard to stay focused," Rashid said. "I think there's no choice for us to, for example, postpone the game; we have to play, so this is exactly why we're here now.

"We want to show our best, and we want to show the whole world that we're people, just like any other country, that we can exercise our rights to be free and play the beautiful game of football."

The Israel-Gaza conflict has disrupted preparations by the Palestinian team for their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on Thursday, but the players are determined to put on a good showing, a team official and player said.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has disrupted preparations by the Palestinian team for their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on Thursday, but the players are determined to put on a good showing, a team official and player said. The match is being played in neutral venue of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, because of the conflict. It had originally been scheduled to be played in Beirut, with the Palestinians set to host Australia the following week, but Israel's response to the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 forced officials to find new venues. The Palestinians usually host games at Al-Ram's Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium on the West Bank. ALSO READ: A year after World Cup, workers abuse continue in Qatar, claims Amnesty International "Everything changed after Oct. 7 with the start of the conflict in Gaza," Palestine Football Association (PFA) media manager Ahmed Rajoub told the National media outlet. "All sporting activities stopped completely in Palestine, and the football team was forced to move to Jordan. The first real training for the national team ... took place on Monday in Sharjah four days ago." "We had some training sessions in Jordan, and in the absence of Gazan players, this was not enough to prepare for an ideal match in the qualifiers." Lebanon and the Palestinians meet at the Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium in the UAE before the latter take on Australia in Kuwait on Nov. 21. Rajoub said the situation in Gaza was weighing heavily on the players. "We just can't get the players focused on the game when people are killed and injured every day since the conflict started," he said. "The players don't talk about football, but about the war, and when they are in the room or the bus, they rush to follow the current events via their mobile phones to check on their families, relatives and friends. "But we want to say, despite all these issues and this difficult period, the players definitely want to win, no matter how hard it may be." Palestinian midfielder Mohammed Rashid said the team would give their best. "It's really hard to stay focused," Rashid said. "I think there's no choice for us to, for example, postpone the game; we have to play, so this is exactly why we're here now. "We want to show our best, and we want to show the whole world that we're people, just like any other country, that we can exercise our rights to be free and play the beautiful game of football."

Gaza-Israel conflict takes toll on Palestinian players, admits PFA official