AFCON 2025
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup began in dramatic fashion across Europe tonight, with heavyweights flexing their muscles, underdogs stealing the spotlight, and early group leaders emerging.
Spain cruised past Bulgaria, Belgium ran riot against Liechtenstein, Wales battled to a vital away win, the Netherlands and Poland cancelled each other out, while Slovakia produced the biggest upset of the night by handing Germany a historic defeat.
Spain began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 3–0 win away to Bulgaria, scoring all three goals in the first half through Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino. The result underlined their status as group favourites and gave them an early lead in Group E.
The biggest shock of the night came in Bratislava, where Slovakia stunned Germany 2–0. Goals from David Hanchko and David Strelec sealed a famous victory, handing Germany their first-ever away defeat in World Cup qualifying. Julian Nagelsmann’s side looked disorganized and sluggish, raising serious concerns about their path to the finals.
In Astana, Wales earned a hard-fought 1–0 win over Kazakhstan thanks to a Kieffer Moore strike in the 25th minute. The forward marked his 50th cap with his 15th international goal.
Despite Kazakhstan applying late pressure and striking the woodwork, Craig Bellamy’s men held firm to go top of Group J, ahead of Belgium who have games in hand.
Belgium, meanwhile, demolished Liechtenstein 6–0 with Youri Tielemans scoring twice, including a stunning volley and a penalty. Maxim De Cuyper, Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne and Malick Fofana also got on the scoresheet, with the latter netting his first international goal. The result leaves Belgium in second place but with the chance to overtake Wales as the group progresses.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands were held to a 1–1 draw by Poland in a closely contested encounter. Both sides struck early, but neither managed to find a decisive breakthrough, leaving Group G finely poised with everything still to play for.
