Lookman and Osimhen's Nigeria will not be at the 2026 World Cup: the national team paid the price for many mistakes during these qualifications and lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of

Celtic centre-half Liam Scales set up a goal for Troy Parrott for the second game running as Republic of Ireland scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Hungary to secure a World Cup qualification play-off place.

Erling Haaland and Co. have sealed their spot at 2026 World Cup after a perfect qualifying campaign, as Norway are genuine dark horses for the tournament.

DR Congo reach inter-confederation playoffs for 2026 World Cup after beating Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria will not play at the 2026 World Cup after they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by DR Congo in Rabat. It was the second time they had gone past normal time in this international break, but there were no extra-time heroics this time around after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The 2026 World Cup draw will be held before the field is settled in full, as December 5 gives every nation its path to the World Cup Final.

Nigeria will miss a second successive edition of the World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final after a 1-1 draw.

Mikaela Shiffrin adds a ninth reindeer to her herd after winning season-opening World Cup slalom in Levi, Finland

We can guarantee these final spots will look different, as Europe is the only confederation not putting teams into the playoffs.So how will it work, how many teams will be there, when will it be held,

England head coach Thomas Tuchel now faces key decisions in the countdown to the World Cup, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.