Manchester, Sep 7: The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 began with high drama, individual brilliance and a wave of emotions as Europe’s heavyweights kicked off their qualifying campaigns. On a day when Cristiano Ronaldo underlined his hunger to reach a record sixth World Cup, England kept their perfect run alive under Thomas Tuchel, Austria and Bosnia maintained their flawless starts, Serbia impressed, while the Republic of Ireland produced a spirited late comeback against Hungary.
Ronaldo rolls back years
In Yerevan, the spotlight inevitably fell on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 39, the Portugal captain showed that age remains no barrier to greatness, netting twice in his side’s emphatic 5-0 dismantling of Armenia.
His goals took his international tally to 140, extending his record as the highest scorer in men’s football, and left him just one short of Carlos Ruiz’s all-time World Cup qualifying record of 39.
Ronaldo struck in each half, his second a thunderous effort from 25 metres that reminded fans of his enduring power and precision.
He celebrated with arms outstretched, pointing skywards in a tribute to late former teammate Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died tragically in a car accident in July.
Joao Cancelo added to the emotion by mimicking Jota’s trademark video-game celebration after scoring.
“It was a near-perfect performance,” Portugal midfielder Vitinha said, while Joao Neves added, “Diogo will always be with us. Today was about winning and giving everything.”
Alongside Ronaldo, Joao Felix struck twice, including the opener inside 10 minutes, while Cancelo rounded off the scoring.
The dominant display in Group F under Roberto Martínez sent a strong signal of Portugal’s intent.
For Ronaldo, the night carried a deeper significance. With Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup in 2022, the five-time Champions League winner is desperate to add the one trophy missing from his glittering collection.
The 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico could be his final shot. Like him, Messi is also eyeing a sixth appearance, setting the two icons apart from all other players in history.
England win but doubts linger
In Birmingham, England overcame Andorra 2-0 to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group K, though questions persist about Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The Three Lions needed an own goal from Christian Garcia in the 25th minute to break the deadlock, before Declan Rice’s powerful header from a Reece James cross sealed the points after the interval.
Despite the win, Harry Kane endured a frustrating evening, unable to add to his record tally for England. Andorra’s goalkeeper Iker Alvarez produced two fine saves to deny Eberechi Eze and Elliott Anderson, exposing England’s struggle for a clinical edge.
Tuchel, who made 10 changes to his side after a stuttering summer campaign, insisted there were positives.
“The energy was right, quality was there. We should have scored more,” he said. England now prepare for a crunch clash away to Serbia, a fixture Tuchel labelled “a crucial game” in the battle for qualification.
Serbia keep pace
Serbia remain firmly in the hunt in Group K after a narrow 1-0 victory in Latvia.
Dusan Vlahovic struck early and, despite late pressure from the hosts, the visitors held firm. The result leaves Serbia just behind England and sets up Tuesday’s showdown as a potential group-defining encounter.
Ireland’s heroic comeback
The most dramatic storyline of the day unfolded in Dublin. The Republic of Ireland trailed 0-2 within 15 minutes as Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai stunned the Aviva Stadium crowd for Hungary. But a red card to Sallai in the 52nd minute opened the door, and Evan Ferguson halved the deficit with a powerful finish.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Adam Idah rose to head home the equaliser, sparking wild celebrations. The 2-2 draw showcased Ireland’s fighting spirit and delivered an early classic in the qualifiers.
Austria and Bosnia march on
In Group H, Austria edged Cyprus 1-0 through a Marcel Sabitzer penalty after Christoph Baumgartner was fouled. The victory ensured Ralf Rangnick’s side maintained their flawless start, though they remain three points behind Bosnia and Herzegovina, who thrashed San Marino 6-0.
Veteran striker Edin Dzeko scored twice in a ruthless second half as Bosnia made it four wins from four to stay top of the group. The win reinforced their credentials as one of the most in-form sides in European qualifying.
Injury setbacks for France
Away from the qualifiers, France received troubling news as Paris Saint-Germain confirmed injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, both picked up on international duty. Dembele faces up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury, while Doue is expected to miss around a month with a calf strain, raising concerns for Les Bleus’ upcoming fixtures.
The road ahead
With Portugal, England, Austria, Bosnia and Serbia asserting early dominance, and Ireland injecting late drama, the opening rounds of UEFA qualifiers have set an intense tone for the road to 2026. For Ronaldo, each goal and each victory now carry added weight, as he chases not only records but the elusive dream of World Cup glory. (Agencies)
