World Cup objective for Europe and Africa
With nine months to go before the World Cup, jointly organised by Canada, the United States and Mexico, the national teams are setting out to win the coveted ticket to the big football event of 2026.
Europe Zone
With Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan, Didier Deschamps' French team has been drawn in a group that is well within its reach. Called up more than two years ago, Brice Samba will be alongside Les Bleus during this qualifying phase.
- Ukraine/France: 0–2, Brice Samba did not play.
- France/Iceland: 2–1, Brice Samba did not play.
With two wins in as many matches, France tops Group D.
The latest summer signing, Breel Embolo, has been called up by Murat Yakin to defend Switzerland's colours in Group B, which includes Sweden, Slovenia and Kosovo.
- Switzerland/Kosovo: 4–0, with two goals from Breel Embolo
- Switzerland/Slovenia: 3–0, including one goal from Breel Embolo
With two wins in two matches, Switzerland leads Group B.
The World Cup qualifiers have already begun for Przemysław Frankowski and Poland. In Group G, which includes Finland, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Malta, Jan Urban's players are currently in third place.
- Netherlands/Poland: 1–1, Przemysław Frankowski did not play
- Poland/Finland: 3–1, Przemysław Frankowski did not play
Second in Group G, Poland has three wins, one draw and one defeat.
Top of Group G with two wins, one draw and one defeat, Finland and Glen Kamara must beat Frankie's Poland to stay in the lead. They will be able to count on a friendly match against Norway beforehand to prepare themselves well.
- Norway/Finland: 1–0, Glen Kamara played one half
- Poland/Finland: 3–1, Glen Kamara came on as a substitute
With these two defeats, Finland drops to third place in Group G.
Africa zone
With five wins and just one draw, Seko Fofana's Côte d'Ivoire tops Group F. Facing Gabon and Burundi, ranked second and third respectively, the Elephants have the opportunity to widen the gap with their direct rivals.
- Ivory Coast/Burundi: 1–0, Seko Fofana started the match
- Gabon/Ivory Coast: 0–0, Seko Fofana came on after an hour
With two matchdays remaining in the qualifiers, Ivory Coast retains its top spot in Group F.
Cameroon, in second place, is also in the running to qualify for the World Cup. With Christopher Wooh and Mahamadou Nagida, the Indomitable Lions are just one point behind the leaders Cape Verde.
- Cameroon/Eswatini: 3–0, Mahamadou Nagida was in the starting line-up
- Cape Verde/Cameroon: 1–0, Mahamadou Nagida did not play
Second in Group D, Cameroon must win during the next international break in October to have any hope of qualifying for the World Cup.
Jordan in a friendly match
Already qualified for the World Cup — a first in its history — Mousa Al-Tamari's Jordan will benefit from two friendly matches to begin its preparations.
- Russia/Jordan: 0–0, Mousa Al-Tamari played the entire match
- Jordan/Dominican Republic: 3–0, Mousa Al-Tamari played the entire match
