World Cup Qualifiers
With six rounds now behind us, the second half of World Cup Qualification 30 is well underway. While no team has yet secured their place, the frontrunners in most groups are beginning to emerge. At the same time, late surges and slips are proving that no group is decided. Round 7 marked a pivotal moment, with key head-to-heads and upsets further complicating the qualification picture. Consistency is now the currency of success, and every dropped point could prove costly.
Let’s review how each group fared in Round 7:
Portugal is now one result away from near-certain qualification after defeating Sweden and drawing away to Serbia. Serbia’s 0-0 draw with Greece and comeback form have put them back in contention. Sweden, who began strong, now find themselves under pressure after consecutive losses. Germany’s win over Sweden keeps them just alive but still outside the top three.
Serbia vs. Portugal 
Sweden vs. Germany 
Hungary took control at the top with a hard-fought win over Norway, while the Netherlands kept themselves alive with a narrow victory against Uruguay. England now sits third but still within one win of top spot. Uruguay, though showing improvement, is mathematically eliminated.
Netherlands vs. Uruguay 
Hungary vs. Norway 
Brazil remains unbeaten after a clinical 2-0 win over Turkey. Bangladesh and Argentina played out a tense draw that leaves both clinging to hope. Iceland, now just two points off second place, is surging at the right time. Turkey is the first team eliminated.
Argentina vs. Bangladesh 
Turkey vs. Brazil 
Chile's easy win over Mexico sent them top of a group now led by goal difference. Austria's loss to Chile and draw with Russia leaves them third, behind China. Russia, despite being a game behind, is also firmly in contention. Mexico is now mathematically eliminated.
Mexico vs. Chile 
Austria vs. Russia 
South Korea edged past the Czech Republic to retake second place, while Spain kept their hopes alive with a narrow win over the USA. Belgium remains on top despite a draw in Round 6. Only three points separate the top four teams—Group E is still wide open.
United States of America vs. Spain 
Czech republic vs. South Korea 
Colombia edged Denmark to leapfrog Slovakia and remain one point behind leaders South Africa. Slovakia’s draw with Latvia dents their momentum, while Latvia has now drawn back-to-back matches. Denmark’s defensive turnaround wasn’t enough to stop a third defeat.
Denmark vs. Colombia 
Slovakia vs. Latvia 
Thailand shocked group leaders Romania with a dramatic 1-0 win, bringing the group even closer. New Zealand earned a narrow win over Scotland and now sits level with Thailand. Romania’s lead is down to one point. It’s anyone’s group.
Scotland vs. Thailand 
Romania vs. New Zealand 
Japan stunned Bolivia with a 1-0 win in a top-of-the-table clash, going level on points. Italy moved up after beating Venezuela, who now sits bottom and winless. Lithuania’s playoff hopes hang by a thread after a Round 6 loss. It’s now a three-horse race at the top.
Venezuela vs. Italy 
Bolivia vs. Japan 
Poland extended their lead by beating France 2-1, while Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Albania to move second. France’s slip-up drops them to third. Estonia, after a rare win, is still last but can still shape the outcome with spoilers.
Albania vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 
Poland vs. France 
India climbed to second with a gritty win over Bulgaria, while Israel and Switzerland shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw. Bulgaria’s grip on the group loosens, and with just one point separating the top four, this remains the most unpredictable group.
Bulgaria vs. India 
Israel vs. Switzerland 
Australia and Slovenia played to a cautious draw, keeping Australia on top. Ireland beat Moldova in a key result that keeps both within striking distance. Algeria is now officially eliminated.
Moldova vs. Ireland 
Australia vs. Slovenia 
Peru held Croatia to a draw and remains unbeaten atop the group. Montenegro slipped to third after a frustrating loss. Canada stayed alive with a comfortable win over Finland, who remain winless and eliminated.
Croatia vs. Peru 
Canada vs. Finland 
As we pass the midway point in the qualification journey, the margin for error is narrowing. For those in the lead, maintaining form is now as crucial as gaining it. For those chasing, belief must be matched by performance in every round to come. With three matchdays left in most groups, and the smallest group resuming shortly, the race to World Cup 30 is entering its final stretch—and it’s as open as ever.
World Cup Qualifiers (U21)
The U21 World Cup qualifiers enter Round 7, with most groups now well into the second half of their campaigns. Clear leaders are emerging in some pools, while in others the race for qualification remains wide open. Every point matters as teams look to strengthen their position—or keep their hopes alive—before the decisive final stretch.
Here’s how each group stands heading into this week’s matches:
Slovakia remain flawless on 12 points but face their biggest test yet against second-placed Latvia, who can close the gap with a home win. The Netherlands slipped to back-to-back defeats and are now level with Malta on six, both needing to recover quickly. New Zealand remain bottom with just one point, and now travel to the Dutch for a must-score game.
Netherlands vs. New Zealand Latvia vs. Slovakia
Hungary’s perfect record was briefly halted but they’ve recovered well to lead on 13 points, with Romania their closest challengers. The two meet directly this round in a clash that could define top spot. Bosnia still lurk in third after edging Romania last time, while Algeria and Uruguay—who meet this week—are already out of the qualification picture.
Romania vs. Hungary 
Algeria vs. Uruguay
Serbia and Moldova are locked together at the top, each unbeaten, and they meet head-to-head in the round’s biggest tie. Portugal remain in striking distance, but they cannot afford another slip after three draws in five games. Colombia stay in the race with back-to-back wins, while Canada’s struggles at the bottom continue.
Colombia vs. Portugal Moldova vs. Serbia
South Korea lead on 11 points and remain unbeaten, with Australia and Estonia both close behind. The Koreans get a breather this round, while Australia will expect to take advantage against winless Venezuela. Estonia and Finland meet in a mid-table battle where the winner can stay in the hunt for second place.
Finland vs. Estonia 
Australia vs. Venezuela
Peru are still unbeaten on 10 points and favourites to top this small group, but Bulgaria are keeping pace. Their draw last round gave Bangladesh their second point, though they remain bottom. China have shown flashes but lack consistency. With only two games left for each side after this round, every result is now decisive.
Peru vs. China 
Bulgaria vs. Bangladesh
Croatia remain perfect and look to keep that streak alive against Lithuania, who have just four points but home advantage this time. Turkey are chasing hard in second and face Thailand, needing a win to maintain pressure. South Africa and Lithuania both sit in the middle pack, still alive but needing a surge.
Thailand vs. Turkey 
Lithuania vs. Croatia
Iceland suffered their first loss last round but remain top, while Norway and the USA are closing in. Norway host the USA in a pivotal battle for second place, while Iceland are expected to bounce back against bottom side Bolivia. Germany are already out of the race and will rest this week.
Norway vs. United States of America 
Iceland vs. Bolivia
Switzerland are in control, but Denmark remain firmly in the chase with a game in hand. India and Chile still have hope but need consistency in the run-in. This round pits Switzerland against Israel, who are unlikely to challenge, while India meet Denmark in a fixture that could decide whether the top two break clear.
Switzerland vs. Israel India vs. Denmark
Brazil’s champions are cruising at 15 points and all but assured of top spot. The real battle is behind them: Albania (10) are second but now face Russia, who must win to revive their chances. Ireland play Scotland, needing victory to stay in touch, while Scotland’s qualification hopes are already slim.
Ireland vs. Scotland Albania vs. Russia
Austria have been the standout of qualifying so far with 15 points from five games and a chance to seal progress early if they overcome Italy. England and France meet in a duel where the loser could fall out of contention. Montenegro remain competitive but inconsistent, while Italy must find results quickly to avoid elimination.
Italy vs. Austria France vs. England 
Slovenia have taken control of this heavyweight group and now face a dangerous Czech side who are still pushing for qualification. Poland remain second but are under pressure after back-to-back losses; they host Spain, who have been struggling for form. Belgium have underperformed and face a difficult climb in the standings.
Czech republic vs. Poland Spain vs. Belgium 
Argentina (11) continue to lead but are still closely followed by Greece and Japan. This round, Japan and Greece meet in a crucial battle for second that could open the door to the knockout stage. Argentina will expect to add points at home against Sweden, while Mexico are already slipping behind in the race.
Japan vs. Greece 
Argentina vs. Sweden
With only three rounds left after this week, Round 7 could prove decisive in separating contenders from outsiders. Some groups are already leaning toward clear favourites, while others remain delicately balanced—ensuring plenty of twists remain on the road to the U21 World Cup.
World Cup Qualifiers (U19)
We’ve crossed into the business end of qualifying: form is clearer, margins are thinner, and direct head-to-heads now decide more than momentum. Round 7 won’t settle every race, but it will frame the run-in—turning close groups into two-team sprints and exposing who still has a late surge in them.
On to the groups…
Ireland and Austria are level on 10 points and meet again in Dublin with first place on the line. Bulgaria must bounce back from Graz with three points at home to Canada, whose game in hand gives them nuisance value in the run-in. Bangladesh are playing for pride. A draw in the top clash would drag this to a three-way sprint—if Bulgaria handle business.
Ireland vs. Austria Bulgaria vs. Canada
Brazil can all but wrap up top spot with a positive result at home to New Zealand. England host Estonia in a six-pointer for second; Estonia still have a game in hand, so any away result swings the door wide open. Venezuela are playing out the string.
Brazil vs. New Zealand England vs. Estonia
Norway have been flawless, but Switzerland (one game fewer) visit Oslo with a chance to make it interesting. Behind them, Finland and Spain are locked in a race for the last qualifying berth—Finland host Australia searching for must-have points while Spain sit idle. If the Swiss nick something, the title race re-ignites.
Finland vs. Australia Norway vs. Switzerland
France travel to India with a chance to keep Denmark at arm’s length; Les Bleus can’t afford a slip after Sweden pushed them hard. Sweden host Croatia in a pivotal tie for third—win, and they stay on Denmark’s heels; drop points, and Croatia are suddenly alive.
India vs. France Sweden vs. Croatia
The Czech Republic reasserted control and now face stubborn Peru in a tricky assignment; another clean sheet would be a statement. Argentina (a game in hand) head to Thailand knowing victory restores top spot and pushes the hosts into a scramble for second. Russia are out of the chase but still capable of complicating tiebreakers.
Czech republic vs. Peru Thailand vs. Argentina
Hungary were finally clipped, but Slovakia’s visit is a chance to reset the machine. The match of the round is Malta vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: a BiH win keeps them clear in second, while dropped points invite Germany (idle) back into the picture. Every goal matters with this group’s tight goal differences.
Malta vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Hungary vs. Slovakia
Bolivia haven’t missed a beat and host Algeria aiming to keep the perfect run. Portugal go to Albania with zero room for another stumble after losing the reverse to Bolivia; three points in Tirana would steady second place before the final push. South Korea look to build on their first win.
Albania vs. Portugal Bolivia vs. Algeria
Latvia and Montenegro are level on nine points; Latvia’s trip to Scotland is a genuine test of their surge, while Montenegro rest. Italy (one game fewer) visit Japan with a chance to leapfrog into the top two before their final stretch. This could end the round with three teams within a point.
Scotland vs. Latvia Japan vs. Italy
Romania are near the finish line and visit South Africa to protect their unbeaten run. The spotlight, though, is on Netherlands vs Iceland (a game in hand): the Dutch need a statement win after Bucharest, while Iceland can seize control of second with an away result. Chile watch and hope.
South Africa vs. Romania Netherlands vs. Iceland
Turkey can keep pole position by handling China away, but the decisive fixture is Moldova vs Israel (one fewer). A Moldovan win steadies their campaign; anything else turns this into a three-team shuffle for two spots with Serbia lurking.
Turkey vs. China Moldova vs. Israel
Two rounds left in the smaller group and Slovenia are within touching distance—one more result likely does it. Greece have edged into second and must keep their nerve with Lithuania still swinging; Mexico need a spark to avoid a wooden spoon finish. The next set feels like Greece vs second place itself.
Mexico vs. Greece Lithuania vs. Slovenia
The headline is in Kansas City: USA vs Belgium. Poland just took top spot and will welcome a draw there—but a winner could overtake them on goal difference. Uruguay meet Colombia in a must-win to keep faint hopes alive. All three giants still control their fate, but someone leaves Round 7 chasing.
United States of America vs. Belgium Uruguay vs. Colombia
Round 7 compresses the calendar and the stakes. By full-time we’ll know which leaders have real separation and which chases are headed for a three-round photo finish. Next up: the penultimate swing, where tiebreakers and head-to-heads start to loom as large as the points themselves.
World Cup Qualifiers (U17)
Stretch Run Begins
With just three matchdays remaining in most groups, the 30th U17 World Cup qualification campaign is entering its final phase. The pressure is mounting, and every point matters more than ever. Several nations are closing in on qualification, others are clinging to hope, and a few are already turning to future cycles. With most teams now having faced each opponent once, the reverse fixtures offer a second chance—and very little margin for error.
Let’s check in on each group heading into Round 7.
Moldova remain unbeaten at the top, but it’s New Zealand who are now arguably the form team after three consecutive wins, including a strong result against Israel. Spain's 3-0 win over Bulgaria has reignited their campaign, and they now face Moldova in a must-win rematch to keep their late push alive. Israel take on Bulgaria, both needing a result to stay relevant. With just three rounds to go, there are still no eliminated teams, but time is quickly running out.
Israel vs. Spain Moldova vs. New Zealand
Thailand and Switzerland both dropped points in Round 6, giving Austria a vital lifeline in the chase for the top two. Colombia finally got on the board, but it may be too little too late. Finland’s slim hopes hinge on a perfect finish, starting with their return match against Colombia. Austria will look to repeat their earlier win over Thailand—this time with even higher stakes. Every game now has knockout-stage intensity.
Switzerland vs. Thailand Austria vs. Finland
England continue to march forward with a sixth consecutive win, showing no signs of slowing. Norway, meanwhile, kept pace and remain firmly in second. Montenegro’s draw with Slovakia was a missed opportunity, but they’re not out of it yet. Greece are still winless, but a strong finish could complicate matters for others. Norway vs. Slovakia could define who challenges for second, while England can all but secure top spot if they beat Montenegro again.
Norway vs. Slovakia England vs. Greece
Mexico lead the group on goal difference after a clinical win over Turkey, but Argentina and Croatia remain neck-and-neck on points. Their rematch in Round 7 could be a de facto eliminator for the loser. Estonia still linger in striking distance but must beat Turkey to stay in the race. With all top four teams separated by just three points, the margins are razor thin.
Croatia vs. Turkey Estonia vs. Argentina
Denmark remain flawless and in full control, having beaten Brazil twice already. Chile have emerged as the strongest contender for second place following their win over Hungary, who now face an uphill climb. Brazil, still second, will look to steady themselves against Australia, who have yet to earn a point but could play spoiler. Chile vs. Denmark will be key—especially if Brazil slip again.
Brazil vs. Australia Denmark vs. Hungary
This group remains one of the tightest in the competition. Germany continue to lead but were held again, this time by Ireland, who are now very much in the qualification picture. Japan picked up another crucial win and are unbeaten alongside Germany. Venezuela and Uruguay remain mathematically alive but need results quickly. Round 7’s Germany vs. Japan clash is massive, while Ireland will look to keep pressure on both against Uruguay.
Ireland vs. Uruguay Germany vs. Venezuela
USA suffered their first slip with a surprise draw, but still lead a group that remains wide open. Lithuania have capitalized and are just one point back, while Albania stunned observers with their third straight win to jump into contention. China and Bolivia are clinging to life and face each other next—a true elimination game. Meanwhile, Albania vs. Lithuania could decide who emerges as the biggest threat to the Americans.
Bolivia vs. United States of America Lithuania vs. China
France's narrow win over Algeria has pushed them into second, just behind unbeaten Scotland. Sweden finally got off the mark with a point, but they need a miracle finish to climb back into contention. With France playing Scotland next, the table could flip again. Algeria must bounce back fast against Sweden or risk being left behind.
Sweden vs. France Algeria vs. Scotland
Italy remain unbeaten but no longer untouchable, after being held by South Korea. Iceland's strong win over Bangladesh keeps them just a point behind the leaders. Netherlands are still in the mix and get a fresh shot at Korea in Round 7. The top four are tightly bunched, and any of them could realistically still qualify.
Iceland vs. Netherlands Italy vs. South Korea
The Czech Republic and Latvia both won again to maintain their lead, while South Africa continue to hover just behind. Belgium finally showed signs of life but likely left it too late. Peru’s inconsistent campaign means their margin for error is gone. Latvia vs. South Africa is the highlight match of Round 7, while the Czechs will aim to stay perfect.
Latvia vs. Belgium Peru vs. Czech republic
India’s comeback win over Russia cemented their place at the top, while Portugal remain unbeaten but need wins, not just draws. Canada are still mathematically alive, but must beat Portugal to keep their hopes alive. Russia vs. Malta is also critical—a loss for either could be fatal in this tight group.
Malta vs. India Portugal vs. Canada
Poland made it five wins in five and can secure qualification early with another victory. Bosnia and Romania are neck-and-neck in the race for second, while Serbia's hopes are on thin ice. Slovenia have faded after early promise but could still spoil someone’s campaign. Romania vs. Serbia could be decisive for both.
Serbia vs. Poland Romania vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 