Albania

Albania

World Cup European playoffs recap: Italy win, Czechia and Bosnia advance on PKs World Cup European playoffs recap: Italy win, Czechia and Bosnia advance on PKs

Enjoy all the moments from Thursday's 2026 World Cup European playoffs as sixteen teams look to qualify for four spots at this summer's tournament.

2026 World Cup playoff preview, predictions: Who will advance? 2026 World Cup playoff preview, predictions: Who will advance?

The Republic of Ireland left it late to qualify for the playoffs where, this week, the final six spots at the 2026 World Cup -- four from Europe, two from the intercontinental playoff -- will be clinched. Here's what to watch for.

Collection Collection

World Cup playoff draw: Wales, Ireland, NI learn path to World Cup - as it happened World Cup playoff draw: Wales, Ireland, NI learn path to World Cup - as it happened

For Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, their path to the 2026 World Cup is now clear. Follow ESPN for the latest news and reaction.

World Cup playoff draw: Italy get N. Ireland, Wales or Bosnia World Cup playoff draw: Italy get N. Ireland, Wales or Bosnia

Italy will first host Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying playoff in March but would then need to win on the road to reach its first tournament after back-to-back failures at this stage.

As it happened: Kane double secures England's perfect record As it happened: Kane double secures England's perfect record

Harry Kane's second-half double saw England overcome a spirited Albania side to secure their perfect record in qualification.

Kane bags brace as England finish WCQ without conceding Kane bags brace as England finish WCQ without conceding

England completed a perfect World Cup qualification campaign in Albania as Harry Kane's late brace secured Thomas Tuchel's side an eighth victory without conceding.

England's record under Tuchel so good it's 'disgusting' - Albania boss England's record under Tuchel so good it's 'disgusting' - Albania boss

Albania boss Sylvinho joked England's numbers are so amazing they are "disgusting" as he prepares to take on Thomas Tuchel's perfect World Cup qualifiers.

Albania vs. England: Kick-off time, how to watch, stats, team news Albania vs. England: Kick-off time, how to watch, stats, team news

All you need to know about England's final FIFA World Cup qualification match against Albania.

Tuchel sets new course for England in World Cup qualifier win Tuchel sets new course for England in World Cup qualifier win

Tuchel and England won their opening qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, but questions still linger about the new manager's hire.

England begin Tuchel era with World Cup qualifying win over Albania England begin Tuchel era with World Cup qualifying win over Albania

England debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly got new coach Thomas Tuchel's reign up and running as the 18-year-old scored the first goal in a 2-0 home victory against Albania in their World Cup qualifying Group K opener on Friday.

Team Leaders

Top Scorers

# Player Goals M A
Kristjan Aslla.. 2 9 1
Arbër Hoxha 1 9 1
Myrto Uzuni 1 8 1

Top Assists

# Player Assists M G
Kristjan Aslla.. 1 9 2
Arbër Hoxha 1 9 1
Armando Broja 1 9 0