EUROPE: World Cup Qualification

Portugal vs Turkey – Portugal is about to enter a terrible scenario. Their golden generation may have to wait another four years to compete in a world cup, and it is debatable whether they will still be considered ‘golden’ at that point. Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament’s talisman, will not be present in 2026, and this Qatar…

Italy vs North Macedonia – Almost the entire world’s attention will be focused on this phase of the qualification campaign. Two heavyweights square off for a single World Cup ticket. To put it another way, the continent’s two most recent winners (Portugal and the Azzurri) are on the verge of meeting in a playoff final. Italy,…

Sweden vs Czech Republic – Despite being placed in the same qualification group as the 2010 World Champions Spain, the Swedes produced an inspirational campaign. And at the conclusion of the First Round, they had secured a second-place finish, trailing the Spaniards by just four points. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic is in town as a result…

Wales vs Austria – Wales suffered the misfortune of being drawn into the same qualification group as Belgium in the First Round, and hence had to settle for second place. Nonetheless, they had achieved some remarkable successes and developed an equally remarkable momentum in the process. They now face the Second Round, which will include four…