World Cup qualifiers

Europe News

FIFA apologises to Ukraine over Crimea map during 2026 World Cup draw

World football's governing body has removed the image omitting Crimea from Ukrainian territory, which Kyiv called an "unacceptable error".

16/12/2024

Sport

Russia lose appeal to freeze FIFA ban on its football teams

Russia have lost an appeal to freeze their World Cup qualifying ban from FIFA ahead of next week's playoff game against Poland

18/03/2022

Travel News

How four footballers caused a global dispute over travel restrictions

Four members of the Argentinian national side, who all play for top-flight English sides, are at the centre of a travel scandal.

07/09/2021

Germany

Germany beaten at home by North Macedonia in World Cup qualifier shock

The surprise defeat leaves Germany languishing in third in Group J.

01/04/2021

Sport

Spain vs. Kosovo World Cup qualifier to go ahead with flags & anthems

Spain does not recognise Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 but states that this month's match will go ahead with national flags and anthems under FIFA rules.

12/03/2021

Sport

Who is your country playing in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying groups?

The virtual draw was made at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich, with no representatives of member nations permitted.

07/12/2020

Sport

World Cup qualifiers: Republic of Ireland hold Denmark to goalless draw ahead of Dublin decider

Martin O'Neill's side are within touching distance of their first World Cup finals in 15 years as they head home for the second leg.

11/11/2017

Sport

Sweden beat Italy 1-0 in World Cup play-off first leg

It means Italy are in danger of failing to qualify for the first time since 1958

10/11/2017

Sport

World Cup qualifiers: Republic of Ireland head to Copenhagen for first leg showdown with Denmark

Ireland are without two midfielders who will be needed to stop Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen.

10/11/2017

Sport

Syria out of 2018 World Cup

Australia beat Syria 3-2 on aggregate, dashing their hopes of a 2018 World Cup spot.

10/10/2017

Russia

World Cup 2018: What we can expect to see, and what we won’t

The World Cup firsts, familiar faces and unlikely occurrences we can expect at Russia 2018

10/10/2017

Sport

Iceland make football World Cup history

Tiny Iceland, population 330,000, has made sporting history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the football World Cup.

10/10/2017

World

Do or die time for World Cup 2018 hopefuls

With 15 teams already certain for Russia 2018, the final round of qualifiers sees some big names facing elimination from football's top tournament.

09/10/2017