AFCON 2025
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another lively night across Europe, as several nations strengthened their positions in the group tables with decisive wins and standout performances.
In Amsterdam, the Netherlands extended their lead in Group G with a comfortable 4–0 win over Malta. Cody Gakpo was the star of the night, scoring twice from the penalty spot before setting up Tijjani Reijnders for the third goal.
Memphis Depay added a late header to complete a dominant performance that leaves the Dutch three points clear at the top of the group.
In Glasgow, Scotland came from behind to defeat Greece 3–1 in Group C. Kostas Tsimikas gave the visitors a second-half lead in the 62nd minute, but Ryan Christie equalised five minutes later after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal.
Lewis Ferguson then scored his first international goal to put Scotland ahead, and Lyndon Dykes sealed the victory in stoppage time with a composed finish following a goalkeeping error.
Elsewhere in the same group, Denmark were ruthless in a 6–0 away win over Belarus. Rasmus Højlund and Anders Dreyer netted a brace, while Patrick Dorgu and Victor Froholdt were also on target as the Danes boosted their goal difference and kept pace with Scotland at the top of the standings.
Finland earned an important 2–1 victory away to Lithuania in Group G. Pijus Sirvys opened the scoring before Benjamin Kallman equalised for the hosts, but Adam Markhiev’s second-half strike secured all three points for the Finns.
In Vienna, Austria delivered a statement win with a 10–0 demolition of San Marino in Group H. Marko Arnautovic was the star of the show, scoring four goals, in a one-sided contest that massively improved Austria’s goal difference.
Cyprus and Bosnia & Herzegovina played out a 2–2 draw in Nicosia in an evenly matched contest. In Group L, Czechia and Croatia cancelled each other out in a 0–0 draw in Prague, while the Faroe Islands recorded one of the surprises of the night, defeating Montenegro 4–0.
Across Europe, the results reshaped the qualification picture. The Netherlands tightened their grip on Group G, Scotland and Denmark remain unbeaten and level on points in Group C, while Austria’s ten-goal rout could prove crucial in the goal difference race.
The next round of matches continues this weekend, with several nations now eyeing a decisive push toward the 2026 World Cup.
