World Cup 32 Qualifying Reaches the Edge: Leaders Closing In, Chasers Running Out of Road
The 32nd World Cup qualification cycle is now deep into the return stretch, and the margins are tightening across the map. With only two tickets available in each group, every dropped point now feels heavier, every bye week more dangerous, and every direct clash near the top capable of changing the whole campaign.
Some leaders are already close to finishing the job, others are being dragged back into contested races, and several former contenders are left relying on perfect finishes and help from elsewhere. The eighth round now arrives with qualification places, eliminations and late revivals all beginning to take shape.
Albania Nearly There as Sweden Draw Even with Denmark
Albania stayed unbeaten, but their 1:1 draw away to Germany kept the door slightly open behind them. Mirsjell Pollozhani gave Albania the lead before Wolfgang Dahnke equalized, while Dimat Carcani again stood out in goal. The bigger change came in the other match, where Sweden beat Denmark 1:0 through Max Rudberg, pulling level on points with the Danes and moving the fight for second into a new shape.
Albania now travel to Sweden with a chance to move even closer to qualification, while Denmark host Russia needing a response. Russia remain alive only in the most demanding mathematical sense, while Germany must hope others drop points after failing to beat the leaders.
Bulgaria strengthened their position with a 1:0 win away to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christo Tomov scoring the only goal and keeping the unbeaten leaders five points clear. Uruguay missed a major chance to hold second, losing 2:1 in Ireland, where Sean Larkin and Cearbhall Johnson gave the hosts their first win of the campaign.
The next round is dangerous for the top two battle. Bulgaria host Uruguay, and a home win would push the leaders very close to mathematical qualification. Bosnia and Herzegovina face Algeria in a match that could either revive Bosnia’s campaign or strengthen Algeria’s grip on second while they still have a game in hand on Uruguay.
Positions: 1st - Brazil (11 points), 2nd - Norway (10 points), 3rd - Romania (7 points), 4th - Israel (5 points), 5th - Argentina (4 points)
Brazil Stay First, Argentina Finally Strike
Brazil remain top after a 0:0 draw in Romania, protected once again by Tulio Coelho. The result kept Romania alive but left them four points behind the leaders. Argentina, after a miserable start to qualification, finally claimed their first win by beating Israel 2:0 through Dan Pelliza Pueyrredon and Cesar Calvo Ondarza.
The next round brings two important tests. Romania host Norway knowing that defeat would make the top two extremely difficult to reach, while Brazil host Israel with a chance to protect first place. Argentina are still alive, but only a perfect finish and help elsewhere can keep their campaign from ending early.
Croatia became one of the first teams to mathematically secure World Cup qualification after beating Greece 5:2. Niksa Pavlovic scored another hattrick, while Bartul Padovan and Mario Pavlovic also joined the scoring. Chile then tightened their hold on second with a 1:0 win away to Estonia, decided by Jesus Canaval Bolivar.
The next round sends Croatia to Chile in a major test for the second-placed side. Chile can make a strong move toward qualification if they take something from the already-qualified leaders, while Estonia and Thailand meet in what is effectively a survival match. Greece can no longer reach the top two.
South Korea secured their World Cup place with a 3:2 win over Netherlands, taking control of the short group before its final round. Dong Min Chun scored twice, Byung Chul Shon added another, and even a late Dutch response could not stop South Korea from moving to ten points. With only one match left, they are mathematically safe in the top two.
The last ticket is still open. Serbia kept themselves alive by beating Peru 2:0 through Radisav Avramovic and Branko Milic, leaving Netherlands, Serbia and Peru all with something to play for on the final day. South Korea face Serbia, while Peru host Netherlands in the match that could decide who joins the group leaders at the World Cup.
Belgium stayed first but dropped points in a 0:0 draw away to New Zealand, where Trevor Anslow earned man of the match. Turkey took advantage, beating Bolivia 1:0 through Erdinc Cakil and moving within one point of the leaders with a game still in hand.
The next round gives the group its defining match: Turkey vs Belgium. A Belgian win would put them on the brink of qualification, while Turkey can take over first place with victory. Bolivia host India needing three points to keep any serious hope alive, with New Zealand and India still depending on unlikely combinations.
Slovenia Rebuild the Lead, South Africa Punish England
Slovenia responded to their previous defeat by beating France 2:1, with Sandi Lovric and Miha Simonovic turning the match after Felix Bureau had put France ahead. South Africa also made a major move, defeating England 2:0 through two goals from Ndaweni Johannes Dejene.
Slovenia now host Rep. of Montenegro in a match that could either give the leaders breathing room or pull Montenegro directly into the top-two fight. France face England with both teams under pressure: England have slipped out of the top two, while France are close to running out of road.
Positions: 1st - Spain (11 points), 2nd - Malta (8 points), 3rd - Portugal (7 points), 4th - Austria (6 points), 5th - Latvia (4 points)
Latvia Shake the Group, Malta Hold Second
Latvia produced one of the round’s biggest shocks by beating Portugal 2:1, with Margots Kubilis and Klavs Pastnieks overturning Saul Estrada’s early opener. Malta stayed second with a 1:1 draw away to Austria, Clifford Bonello equalizing after Waldo Bombardelli had put Austria in front.
Spain remain unbeaten and top, but they still need points to make qualification safe. Their trip to Austria is important, while Malta vs Latvia suddenly carries major weight. Malta can strengthen second place, but Latvia’s win over Portugal means they cannot be dismissed yet.
Finland stayed first with a 2:0 win over Iceland, as Veiko Kalliokoski and Juhani Mustonen scored and Tuomo Laakso delivered another man-of-the-match performance in goal. Bangladesh also made a major statement, beating Australia 4:0 through two goals from Mazibur Rahman Islam and further strikes from Rashid Hasan and Tariq Babu.
The top two now have a clear advantage, but qualification is not mathematically settled. Finland host Slovakia, while Iceland face Australia. Slovakia and Iceland still have games in hand, but they need immediate wins to stop Finland and Bangladesh from turning this into a closed race.
Group J: Moldova Edge Closer, Colombia Slip but Stay Safe
Moldova kept their unbeaten run going with a 2:1 win over the Czech republic, as Dionis Scarlatache and Lilian Lisii put them in control before Michal Mraz replied. Colombia finally conceded, but still earned a 1:1 draw against Canada through Alberto Carvajal. The result gives China a narrow opening, but the top two still have a strong cushion.
The next round is decisive for China. They travel to Moldova needing a result to keep realistic pressure on the qualification places. Canada and the Czech republic meet with both already unable to reach the top two, so their remaining role is to influence the final table rather than fight for qualification themselves.
Poland confirmed their World Cup place with a 1:0 win over Italy, Leszek Dziedziczak scoring late to keep the group leaders unbeaten. Switzerland also took a big step toward qualification by beating United States of America 1:0 through another Jason Walter goal.
Poland now host Venezuela as an already-qualified side, while Italy face United States in a match they must win to keep any realistic hope alive. United States can no longer reach the top two, while Venezuela’s path depends on perfection and help elsewhere. Switzerland remain in control of second, but still have work to finish.
Japan revived their campaign with a 2:0 win over Lithuania, as Kenta Baisotei and Ryutaro Aizawa struck in the second half. Mexico and Hungary drew 0:0, a result that kept both alive but allowed Scotland to remain top despite sitting out the round.
The next round could reshape everything. Japan host Scotland, with the leaders looking to protect first place and Japan trying to turn their revival into a genuine qualification push. Lithuania face Hungary in a direct fight near the top two, while Mexico watch and hope the results keep the door open for the final two rounds.
The 32nd U21 World Cup qualification campaign is moving into its decisive stretch. The early surprises have now become real storylines, the early mistakes are harder to repair, and the standings are beginning to show which teams have control of their own fate.
With only the top two teams in each group reaching the U21 World Cup, the pressure is rising quickly. Some leaders can almost see the finish line, others are still being chased hard, and several traditional names are already fighting to keep their campaigns alive. From here on, every dropped point may carry consequences that last until the final round.
Here is how the qualification race stands before the next set of fixtures.
Bolivia are already mathematically through after another Pascual Yarzan-inspired victory, this time a 3:0 win over Venezuela. With sixteen points from six matches, the former world champions have created enough distance to guarantee a place in the top two.
The real tension now sits behind them. Slovakia host France in a match that could decide the second ticket. Slovakia hold a four-point advantage, but France have a game in hand and cannot afford to let this opportunity pass. Italy and Venezuela are already mathematically out, leaving their remaining matches to decide pride rather than qualification.
The smaller group has one round left, and Estonia have already secured a top-two finish. Their 3:1 win away to Bosnia and Herzegovina moved them to ten points, completing a strong recovery after the opening 3:0 defeat to Lithuania.
Lithuania still control second place, but their 2:2 draw with Thailand has left the door open. Lithuania host Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Estonia face Thailand. Thailand must beat Estonia and hope Lithuania slip, while Bosnia and Herzegovina are already eliminated after a disappointing campaign from the former world champions.
Slovenia and Hungary are both mathematically qualified, but the group winner is still unresolved. Hungary made the race far more interesting by ending Slovenia's perfect record with a 2:1 victory, powered once again by Balazs Simon.
Slovenia now visit Austria, while China host Uruguay. Austria, China and Uruguay can no longer reach the top two, but Slovenia still have something to prove after their first defeat. Hungary sit level on points and will watch closely, knowing the battle for first place has become real again.
Spain lead Group D with thirteen points, but Scotland are only one point behind with a game in hand. Their meeting is the headline fixture of the round, especially after Scotland won the first clash 2:1.
South Africa remain alive on nine points and should view their trip to Canada as a must-win match. Canada and India are already mathematically out of the top-two race. Canada's twenty-three goals conceded keep the pressure firmly on their manager, especially after the earlier 9:0 collapse against Spain set the tone for the whole campaign.
Group E remains a brutal three-team race. Denmark, Mexico and Turkey all sit on twelve points, while Germany remain mathematically alive but still need help.
The round's key match sends Turkey against Denmark. Turkey won the first meeting 1:0, but Denmark have since climbed to the top on goal difference. Germany host Greece and must win to keep even faint qualification hopes alive. Greece, still pointless after six defeats and twenty-one goals conceded, are out of the race, and their manager has no escape from responsibility for such a poor campaign.
Group F is still mathematically open from top to bottom. Iceland lead with eleven points, but Sweden, Israel, Ireland and even bottom-placed Chile can still reach the top two.
Israel host Ireland in a match that could either pull them closer to qualification or drag Ireland back into the race. Sweden host Chile, who are desperate for a victory after falling to Iceland. Sweden remain unbeaten, but three draws have prevented them from breaking away. In this group, one result can still change everything.
Group G has become one of the most unpredictable sections in the campaign. Algeria still lead, but their advantage is fragile after a 3:3 draw with Serbia followed the earlier 5:3 defeat to New Zealand. Conceding eight goals in two rounds is a serious managerial problem.
Algeria now host Belgium, who sit just one point behind and can take control of the group with a win. Serbia, still unbeaten but draw-heavy, face New Zealand in the other match. All five teams remain mathematically alive, which makes this round especially dangerous for anyone near the top.
Brazil are the first team in Group H to remove all doubt. Six wins from six, eighteen goals scored and only one conceded have not only secured qualification, but also left the defending world champions in full command of the group.
The fight behind them is now the story. Russia have overtaken Australia after beating them 2:0, and Australia must respond away to Rep. of Montenegro. Brazil host Peru, who remain mathematically alive but only barely. Their failure to field all eleven players in the 4:1 defeat to Russia was another managerial failure in a campaign already close to collapse.
Group I has tightened dramatically. Argentina still lead, but back-to-back matches without a win have allowed Malta, Croatia and Switzerland to stay close. Bangladesh are the only side already eliminated.
The next round brings two direct battles. Malta host Argentina with a chance to go top, while Switzerland host Croatia in a match neither side can afford to lose. Croatia have the stronger goal record, but Switzerland have recently taken points from both Argentina and Malta. The group is now too tight for anyone to feel safe.
Poland remain top, but the Netherlands have closed the gap despite drawing yet again. The Dutch are unbeaten after six matches, though five draws have kept them from taking full control.
Round eight brings Netherlands against Norway and Poland against England. England, third at the last U21 World Cup, are in a difficult position after failing to win any of their last four matches. Latvia are idle this round, but they too remain alive. No team in Group J is mathematically out yet.
Group K has become a three-way tie at the top. USA, Czech republic and Portugal all sit on ten points, though Portugal have played one match fewer than the other two.
The key fixture is Portugal against USA. Portugal won the first meeting 2:0, but the Americans have since climbed into first place. Czech republic host Colombia, who are still mathematically alive and need a result to stay close. Bulgaria are eliminated despite their draw with USA, leaving them with only the role of spoiler.
Moldova remain top after a narrow 1:0 win over Finland, and their twelve points give them a five-point cushion over the chasing pack. Yet they are not mathematically through, with Romania, South Korea, Finland and Japan all still capable of reaching the top two.
The next round is crucial. Moldova host Romania, who can cut the gap dramatically with a victory. Finland face Japan in the other match, with both sides needing points for very different reasons. Finland are still close to second place, while Japan must win to keep their slim hopes alive. South Korea sit out this round after another frustrating draw, waiting to see how much damage the others can do.
The qualification race has now become a mix of form, pressure and arithmetic. Some teams are already safe, some are already gone, and many are standing on the edge between the two. From this point on, every dropped point may be remembered as the one that decided a World Cup ticket.
World Cup Qualifiers (U19)
The Field Starts to Narrow as Croatia Book Their Place
The 32nd U19 World Cup qualification campaign has reached the stage where every dropped point now feels heavier. Round 8 arrives with the race tightening across most groups, while the first clear verdicts are already beginning to appear.
Croatia are the first team in the five-team groups to secure a top-two finish, while several others now know their World Cup hopes are over. The Czech republic, Spain, Bangladesh, Japan, Albania, Mexico, Portugal, Israel, Hungary and Ireland can no longer reach the qualification places, while Slovakia are already out in the smaller Group G.
Elsewhere, the pressure is rising. Australia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are locked together in Group A, Russia have overtaken Scotland in Group B, Lithuania are threatening to turn Group D into a surprise story, and Group H remains so tight that every team can still dream. With only the top two teams advancing, Round 8 could be the moment when more doors close and more leaders finally move within touching distance of the U19 World Cup.
Group A remains one of the more delicate races in the campaign. Bosnia and Herzegovina recovered from their defeat to Australia by beating the Czech republic 2-1, moving level with the Australians on eleven points.
Australia were held 1-1 by Sweden, a result that kept the Swedes unbeaten and still dangerous despite having drawn four of their five matches. With Sweden still having a game in hand, the race is far from settled.
Round 8 could shape the entire finish. Australia host Finland, while Sweden welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Czech republic are already mathematically out after five defeats, while Finland still have a route back into contention but need points immediately.
Russia have moved to the top of Group B after a 1-0 victory over Scotland. Dmitri Lazarev scored the decisive goal, while Nikita Shereshkov again collected man-of-the-match honors as Russia completed an impressive turnaround after their earlier defeat to the Scots.
Scotland remain very much in the qualification places, but the aura of invincibility from the early rounds has faded. Italy are still chasing after their draw with Russia, while Thailand suffered a damaging defeat against Spain.
Spain's 2-1 win was their first of the campaign, but it came too late to rescue their World Cup hopes. Their earlier extreme defeats had already destroyed the campaign, and those results remain the responsibility of the national team management. Round 8 gives Italy a chance to strengthen their position against Spain, while Thailand must produce something against Scotland to keep their own hopes alive.
Slovenia Watch as Latvia and Algeria Continue Their Duel
Slovenia remain perfect, but Round 7 was about the chase behind them. Latvia swept Greece aside 4-0, while Algeria edged Bangladesh 1-0 to keep both nations level on twelve points.
That leaves Group C with a clear shape: Slovenia are in command, while Latvia and Algeria are fighting intensely for the second qualification place. Bangladesh are now mathematically eliminated, while Greece still have a narrow path on points but need a near-perfect finish and help elsewhere.
Round 8 brings the biggest test yet for Latvia, who host Slovenia. A Latvian win would make the group suddenly uncomfortable for the leaders, while Slovenia can move very close to qualification with another victory. Greece host Algeria in a match the visitors cannot afford to mishandle.
Lithuania continue to lead Group D, but their 1-1 draw away to India prevented them from completely breaking away. Even so, thirteen points from six matches has put them in a commanding position.
The Netherlands produced the round's most important result by beating Poland 1-0. The former champions are now second, while defending world champions Poland have dropped to third and are running out of room for error.
Round 8 brings a massive pair of fixtures. Poland host Lithuania knowing that another defeat could leave their title defence in serious danger before the World Cup even begins. The Netherlands face Turkey in a direct battle between contenders, while India sit out still mathematically alive but needing a remarkable finish.
Croatia became the first team in the five-team groups to mathematically secure a top-two finish. Their 4-2 win away to Estonia made it five wins from five and confirmed what the performances had already suggested: Croatia are going to the U19 World Cup.
Alberto Dracar again dominated the headlines, scoring all four Croatian goals and continuing one of the outstanding individual campaigns of the qualification cycle.
The United States remain second on twelve points and can join Croatia in the World Cup with a positive result against Estonia in Round 8. Japan and Albania are both mathematically eliminated, although Albania at least restored some pride with a 1-0 victory over Japan.
Group F took an unexpected twist in Round 7. Romania survived a late scare against Mexico to win 4-3 and move top of the table, while Moldova suffered their first defeat of the campaign, losing 1-0 at home to Portugal.
The result gave South Korea a lifeline. They remain six points behind Moldova but still have three matches left, meaning their Round 8 trip to Moldova is a true survival match.
Mexico and Portugal are already mathematically out of the race for the top two, but Portugal's win showed they can still influence the group. Moldova can put themselves and Romania on the brink of qualification by beating South Korea, while another slip would keep the door open.
Group G follows the smaller schedule, so it does not play this round. Instead, its final matches arrive on 16.07., with three teams still fighting for two World Cup places.
Norway and Germany lead with ten points each, while Peru sit just behind on nine. Slovakia are already eliminated after five defeats.
The final round could hardly be better set up. Norway face Peru in a direct qualification battle, while Germany meet Slovakia. Germany will be favored to take care of their task, but Norway and Peru know that their head-to-head meeting could decide everything.
Group H remains the wildest group of the campaign. Belgium lead with only nine points from six matches, while Iceland and Bolivia sit just one point behind. Uruguay and England are also still alive on six points.
Round 7 did nothing to create separation. Iceland and Uruguay drew 1-1, while Belgium and Bolivia played out a goalless draw. The result kept all five teams in the qualification picture.
Round 8 could finally break the pattern. Belgium host England in a match where the leaders can create distance or be dragged back into chaos. Bolivia face Uruguay with a chance to move into the top two, while Iceland sit out and watch nervously.
Rep. of Montenegro and South Africa both won in Round 7, strengthening their hold on the top two places. Montenegro beat Bulgaria 4-1, with Milovan Lekovic scoring three times, while South Africa edged Israel 3-2.
The results have left Bulgaria under real pressure. They still have a game in hand, but the defeat to Montenegro means they cannot afford many more mistakes.
Israel are now mathematically eliminated, while Canada still have a route on points but need a near-perfect finish. Round 8 sends Montenegro against Canada, while Bulgaria face Israel in a match they simply have to win to stay close to the leading pair.
Venezuela Open a Gap, but the Race Remains Crowded
Venezuela took the biggest step of Round 7 in Group J, beating Denmark 2-1 to move three points clear at the top. Jubert Agreda was again decisive, while Tony Urbano continued his strong campaign with another goal.
France missed a chance to close in, drawing 1-1 with Malta. That result keeps France alive, but it also leaves them needing a strong finish. Malta, remarkably, are not yet mathematically out on points, but their margin for error has effectively disappeared.
Round 8 gives Venezuela another major test against Chile. A win would put them close to qualification, while Chile can pull level with the leaders. Denmark host Malta knowing that anything less than victory would be a serious blow.
Brazil are not mathematically through yet, but they are almost there. Their 4-1 victory over Colombia pushed them to sixteen points and left them in complete control of Group K.
New Zealand strengthened their own position by beating Hungary 3-1, moving into second place. Colombia still have a game in hand, but their defeat to Brazil means they must now respond quickly.
Hungary are mathematically eliminated, while Argentina's hopes are hanging by a thread. Round 8 brings Brazil against Argentina, where a draw would be enough to secure Brazil's top-two place. Colombia face Hungary and must win to keep pressure on New Zealand.
Group L continues to twist. China beat Austria 2-1 in Round 7, adding another major result to a campaign that has kept them alive despite several difficult defeats. Switzerland also edged Ireland 1-0 to move level with Austria on ten points.
Serbia still lead the group and return in Round 8 against eliminated Ireland. A win would keep them firmly in control, but the battle behind them is fierce.
The other fixture is one of the biggest of the round: Switzerland against Austria. Both teams enter on ten points, and the winner will take a major step toward the World Cup. China sit only one point behind them and will be watching closely, knowing the door to the top two remains open.
The 32nd U17 World Cup qualification campaign has reached the stage where the table is no longer just taking shape — it is beginning to close doors. This is the eighth round for every group except Group J, where the smaller four-team section has played five rounds and will finish its cycle on 16.07.
With only the top two teams from each group reaching the World Cup, the latest results have brought the first clear mathematical verdicts. Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and Romania have already secured qualification by points, while several teams have seen their hopes disappear completely.
Elsewhere, the pressure is still rising. Some leaders are close to joining the qualified list, while several traditional names are now fighting for survival rather than comfort. Here is how the round looks across the groups.
Brazil remain perfect after edging Lithuania 2:1, a result that kept them top with five wins from five. They are not fully over the mathematical line yet, but with 15 points and matches still in hand, the former champions are moving with authority toward the World Cup.
Lithuania still hold second place, but Croatia's 4:0 win over Russia kept the pressure alive. The next round is huge: Lithuania host Bulgaria, while Brazil face Croatia. A Croatian defeat would make Lithuania's path much clearer, while a surprise away win would keep the race alive.
Russia are now mathematically out of the top-two race. Bulgaria still have a narrow route on points, but they need everything to go their way.
France remain in command after their earlier 16:0 destruction of Malta, a result so severe that the responsibility can only sit with the Malta national team manager. France now travel to Rep. of Montenegro with a five-point cushion at the top.
The real fight is behind them. Venezuela moved into second with a 6:2 win over Malta, while Sweden and Montenegro drew 0:0 and both lost ground in the chase.
Round 8 brings a direct battle between Sweden and Venezuela. Montenegro need something against France, but the main question may be whether Sweden can drag Venezuela back into the pack.
Slovenia and Moldova both handled their business in Round 7. Slovenia beat Canada 2:0, while Moldova defeated Slovakia 3:0, leaving the two unbeaten sides in control of Group C.
The next round gives us the match the group has been building toward: Moldova against Slovenia. Slovenia lead by one point, but Moldova have played one match fewer and can take command with a home victory.
Canada remain alive, but the gap is now significant. Slovakia and Latvia are mathematically out, meaning this group has effectively become a three-team race, with two clear favourites.
Four Teams Still Alive After Denmark and Chile Share the Points
Denmark and Chile played out a thrilling 3:3 draw, keeping them level at the top. Chile remain unbeaten and still have a match in hand, but Denmark's attack continues to make them a serious qualification contender.
The chasing pair refused to disappear. South Korea beat Switzerland 1:0, pulling both teams level on eight points and keeping the group alive heading into Round 8.
Denmark should see their match against winless Uruguay as a must-win chance to stay top, while Chile against South Korea could shape the whole race. Uruguay are mathematically eliminated.
Belgium Drop Points, Iceland Reignite Their Campaign
Turkey stayed top without playing in Round 7, while Belgium missed the chance to fully take control after drawing 3:3 away to Norway. That point keeps Belgium level with Turkey, but Turkey still have a match in hand.
The biggest result came from Iceland, who crushed Thailand 10:0. Thailand did not field all 11 players, and in a result that extreme, the fault clearly belongs to the national team manager.
Round 8 now brings two very different challenges. Turkey visit bottom side Thailand, while Iceland host Belgium in a match they must win to stay in serious contention. Thailand are mathematically out.
Argentina have become one of the first teams mathematically qualified for the U17 World Cup. Their 2:1 win over Israel moved them to 15 points, and only Colombia can still finish above them.
Behind Argentina, the race remains tense. Israel hold second place with eight points, but Colombia are only one point behind and have played one match fewer. Their Round 8 meeting is therefore one of the most important fixtures of the entire qualification round.
Mexico still have a route back into the top two and will see Finland as a necessary win. Finland are bottom, but not yet mathematically out, which keeps Group F unusually alive beneath the already-qualified leaders.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are officially through. Their 2:0 win over Greece kept their extraordinary defensive record intact: six matches played, seven goals scored, and still not a single goal conceded.
That result also changed the fight behind them. Greece remain second, but China moved within two points after beating Czech Republic 2:0. Spain are also still alive with a match in hand, but their margin for error is disappearing quickly.
Round 8 could reshape the whole chase: China host Greece, while Spain visit Czech Republic. Bosnia and Herzegovina are safe, Czech Republic are mathematically eliminated, and the remaining three are now fighting for one ticket.
Poland and England Near the Line, Austria Still Refuse to Leave
Poland and England are both on 15 points, but neither is mathematically qualified yet because Austria can still reach 18. The defending champions remain perfect, while England recovered from their loss to Poland by beating the United States of America 3:1.
Austria kept themselves alive with a 4:1 win over South Africa, and their next match against England is now the decisive fixture of the group. If England avoid defeat, the top two will be almost impossible to catch.
Poland face South Africa and will expect to move closer to qualification. The United States of America and South Africa are already mathematically out.
Portugal Lead, Estonia and Serbia Keep the Heat On
Portugal remain top of a group that refuses to settle. Estonia's 3:0 win over India lifted them to 11 points, while Serbia's 2:1 victory over Netherlands pushed the Dutch into serious trouble.
The Round 8 headline is Estonia against Portugal. Estonia can make the group extremely uncomfortable for the leaders with a win, while Portugal can take a major step toward qualification by avoiding defeat.
Serbia travel to India knowing three points are essential. The Netherlands are still alive on points, but after losing to Serbia they now need help. India are mathematically eliminated.
Group J follows a different schedule, and its final round will be played on 16.07. Germany are already mathematically qualified after winning all five matches and conceding only once.
The battle for second place comes down to Ireland and Bangladesh. Ireland's 2:0 win over Japan moved them three points clear, but Bangladesh can still catch them in their final direct meeting.
Japan are mathematically eliminated. Germany face Japan in the final round, while Ireland and Bangladesh meet in the match that will decide whether second place is secured cleanly or dragged into a final points tie.
Scotland remain top after a 2:2 draw with Bolivia, but that result allowed Australia to move closer with a 3:1 win over Hungary. Scotland still lead, but Australia have played one match fewer and are now only three points behind.
Bolivia remain alive, although the draw against Scotland leaves them needing another major result. Their Round 8 trip to Australia is now critical for both sides.
Italy also still have a mathematical chance and must beat Hungary to stay relevant. Hungary are mathematically out, while the top-four fight continues to carry real tension.
Romania are mathematically through after defeating Albania 4:1. The former runners-up have won five of six matches and now sit one point ahead of unbeaten New Zealand.
New Zealand beat Peru 3:0, aided by Peru again failing to field all 11 players. In such a damaging result, the responsibility has to fall on the Peru national team manager. New Zealand are not completely sealed by points, because Peru can still reach 14, but the gap in the standings now looks enormous.
Round 8 gives New Zealand a chance to all but remove doubt against Algeria, while Peru must beat Albania to keep even the faint mathematical question alive. Algeria and Albania are already eliminated.
Round 8 arrives with qualification no longer a distant target but a concrete line on the horizon. Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and Romania are already across it; others are close enough to see it; and for several nations, the door has already closed. The final stretch of the 32nd U17 World Cup qualifiers has begun.
