Two goals from star striker Kylian Mbappé helped send two-time champion France to the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 home win against Ukraine

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal hold a five-point lead in Group F and take on the Republic of Ireland in this 2026 World Cup Qualifying match on Thursday.

Surprisingly for a team with so many modern-day stars, Portugal have only played at eight World Cups. Their best result was in 1966, when they finished in third place and Eusebio was the tournament's top scorer with nine. That was one of just two tournaments at which they played from 1930 until 2002.

European National Teams have two World Cup qualifier matches left to determine which teams qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup and which teams won't. Ireland will host Portugal today at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

The AZ forward struck twice before the break as Ireland moved three points behind Group F leaders Portugal, and one behind second-placed Hungary, ahead of their final showdown on Sunday

Spain and Lamine Yamal, France and Kylian Mbappé plus Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are close to confirming their places at the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal seeks to secure its qualification for the next World Cup in Ireland, but at the moment they are losing 2-0 to Ireland. The hero for Ireland is Troy Parrott, who scored the 1-0 in the 17th

The road to the 2026 World Cup is already taking shape, with 29 teams having secured their places among the The post 2026 World Cup : 29 nations already qualified for the competition first appeared on Africa Top Sports.