Perfect Starts, Early Crises and No More Hiding: Qualification Tightens
Two rounds have been enough to turn the opening uncertainty into genuine pressure. South Africa, Chile, Switzerland and Serbia already sit on six points, while several other groups remain packed so tightly that one victory could completely rearrange the table. At the opposite end, the Netherlands have lost twice, Canada have failed to score in two matches, and France enter their next test still searching for both their first point and first goal.
There have also been impressive responses. Ireland answered their opening 4–1 defeat by producing a 4–1 victory of their own, Bosnia and Herzegovina recovered from a three-goal humiliation, and Australia bounced back from losing their opener with a convincing three-goal win.
The qualification campaign is still young, but excuses are becoming shorter. Another good result can establish a real advantage now; another bad one can turn an uncomfortable start into a serious problem.
Group A — Four Teams on Three Points, Netherlands Already in Trouble
Australia produced exactly the response they needed after their opening defeat, beating the Netherlands 3–0 through two goals from Richard Ashby and another from Joshua Tatnell. Hungary also entered impressively, defeating Bangladesh 2–0 as Vajk Kovatsits scored twice inside the opening half-hour.
The result leaves China, Hungary, Australia and Bangladesh all on three points, although China and Hungary have played only once. The Netherlands are the striking exception: two defeats, five goals conceded and just one scored. They now face Hungary with considerable pressure already attached to the result. China return against Bangladesh after sitting out the previous round and can move immediately toward the top with another victory. Group A remains congested everywhere except at the bottom, where the Dutch are already in danger of being cut loose.
Lithuania recovered superbly from their opening defeat to Japan, beating Italy 2–1 after Kamilis Kavoliunas scored in the first minute and Merkelis Zasytis restored their lead after the break. Japan, meanwhile, dropped their first points in a 1–1 draw with Bulgaria but remain unbeaten and lead the group on four points.
The next test brings England back into action against Japan. England lost their only match so far and have yet to score, making the meeting with the group leaders an immediate measure of whether their campaign can find direction. Lithuania now face Bulgaria knowing another positive result could move them into first place, while Italy sit out after surrendering their perfect start. Japan have the lead, but Lithuania's recovery has ensured there is no early separation.
South Africa and Chile remain perfect after two matches, and remarkably neither has conceded a goal. South Africa followed their opening 2–0 win by beating Canada 1–0 through another Oswin Mkhuma goal. Chile matched the achievement by defeating France 1–0, Tristan Diaz De Loria settling the match in the second half.
South Africa now sit out, giving Chile the opportunity to reach nine points against Greece. The greater desperation lies elsewhere. Canada and France meet with neither having scored a goal or collected a point. Canada have already lost twice, while France have played only once, but another defeat for either would make the gap to the leaders extremely uncomfortable. The top two have been flawless; the bottom two now play with qualification pressure arriving far earlier than they would have wanted.
Mexico made a spectacular entrance by beating Latvia 3–0, with Vito Villasenor scoring twice and Orlando Mas adding the third. The victory puts Mexico top on goal difference despite having played only once. Czech republic also transformed their position, recovering from an opening defeat to Latvia by beating Poland 1–0 through Jan Kalina.
That leaves four teams locked on three points, with only Slovenia still on zero. Slovenia now return against Latvia after sitting out the previous round and need a response to their opening 2–0 loss to Poland. The Czech republic face Mexico in a direct clash between two teams arriving from victories, while Poland rest after seeing their perfect start disappear. One round has turned what looked like Polish control into complete congestion.
Moldova moved to four points after coming from behind to beat Turkey 2–1. Turkey scored early through Muhlis Gurata, but Dionis Scarlatache and Dorian Croitoru reversed the result in the second half. Romania made an even stronger entrance, defeating Bolivia 3–1 with goals from Dani Oancea, Pavel Marin and Cristian Neagu.
The two now meet directly at the top of the group. Moldova have already played twice and remain unbeaten, while Romania can overtake them after only their second match. Elsewhere, Iceland return against Bolivia after drawing their opener, with Bolivia still looking for a first win after taking only one point from two games. Turkey sit out. The group began cautiously, but Moldova and Romania have now provided it with a genuine early battle for control.
Norway delivered the major result of the previous round by beating Germany 2–0. Jakob Lossius opened the scoring before a Joshua Dietrich own goal doubled the damage, leaving Norway unbeaten on four points and alone at the top. Israel and Sweden shared a 1–1 draw, giving both their first point of the campaign.
Norway now rest while the teams behind them try to close the gap. Germany face Israel after suffering their first defeat and must show that the setback was temporary. Slovakia and Sweden meet with both sitting on one point and both still searching for their first victory. Germany remain only one point behind Norway, but another failure would give the leaders considerable breathing room. Norway have set the pace; now everyone else has to answer.
The defending world champions Switzerland have started exactly as champions should. Their 3–0 victory over Uruguay followed the opening win against Austria, leaving them with six points, four goals scored and none conceded. Brazil also entered in style, beating Rep. of Montenegro 4–2 as Erlano Fernandes and Leomar Da Vila each scored twice.
Switzerland now sit out, giving Brazil the opportunity to close the gap against a struggling Uruguay side. Uruguay have lost both matches, conceded four and have yet to score. Austria return against Montenegro with both teams trying to stay connected to the leaders. Brazil have played only once, but their four-goal debut made the message clear. Switzerland currently own the table; Brazil may be the team best equipped to challenge them.
Serbia followed their 4–1 opening victory with a far tighter 1–0 win over Croatia, Bogdan Radosevic scoring the only goal. Two matches, six points and only one goal conceded leave Serbia firmly in control.
The other result provided one of the best responses of the campaign. After being destroyed 4–1 by Serbia, Ireland turned around and beat Portugal by exactly the same score. Dara O'Malley, Padraig Wilson, Cearbhall Johnson and Jordan Gara produced the goals, giving the Irish manager a much-needed answer after the opening disaster. Serbia now face Colombia, who remain unbeaten after drawing their only match, while Ireland meet Croatia. Croatia have played only once, but another defeat would leave the previous World Cup bronze medalists immediately under pressure. Serbia lead; Ireland have recovered; now Croatia must react.
Finland made a winning entrance with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Estonia, Simo-pekka Jokelainen scoring in the 91st minute after Estonia had equalised before half-time. Malta and Spain meanwhile played out a goalless draw, giving both their first point but doing little to solve Spain's attacking problems.
Spain have now played twice without scoring. The United States of America, by contrast, return after sitting out the previous round with three points from their impressive opening victory over Spain. They now meet Estonia, while Finland travel to Malta with the chance to make it two wins from two. Three teams currently sit on three points, although the Americans and Finns have played fewer matches. The group remains open, but Spain's lack of goals is rapidly becoming its most uncomfortable storyline.
Two more draws have kept Group J tightly packed. Argentina and Thailand finished 1–1, while Scotland and Venezuela produced the same result. Thailand therefore remain unbeaten and lead with four points, while Argentina and Venezuela both have two from two.
The next round brings New Zealand back against Venezuela after their opening defeat, while Argentina face Scotland. Scotland have played only once and can move above Argentina with a victory, while Argentina are still searching for their first win despite remaining unbeaten. Thailand sit out knowing nobody can move far beyond them. The group has produced plenty of resistance but very little separation, and one decisive result could suddenly change its entire shape.
Group K has been waiting since September for its second set of matches. Albania remain the early leaders after their 2–1 victory over Algeria, while Belgium and Denmark each carry one point from their goalless draw.
The competition now resumes with Albania facing Denmark and Algeria meeting Belgium. In a four-team group, there are fewer opportunities to recover from dropped points, which makes Albania's opening victory especially valuable. Belgium, runners-up at the previous World Cup, have yet to score, while Algeria already need to avoid falling further behind after defeat. Denmark remain unbeaten but also goalless. After nearly a month without action, Group K finally gets the chance to establish whether Albania's early lead is temporary or something more serious.
India and Peru remain level at the top after their 1–1 draw. Maxin Sales put Peru ahead before Saquib Masih equalised for India, leaving both on four points and unbeaten after two matches.
The strongest recovery belonged to Bosnia and Herzegovina. After losing 3–0 to India in the opener — a result that left their national team manager carrying the blame — Bosnia responded by beating South Korea 1–0 through Esmir Kadric. That victory has brought them straight back into contention. Bosnia now face Russia, who return after losing their only match, while India take on South Korea. Peru sit out. India and Peru still lead, but Bosnia's recovery means the group is no longer a simple two-team story.
Early Patterns Are Becoming Real Problems — and Real Opportunities
After two rounds, qualification is beginning to reveal more than temporary form. South Africa, Chile, Switzerland and Serbia have converted strong starts into perfect records. Norway, Moldova, Japan and Thailand remain unbeaten at the top of their groups, while Brazil, Romania, Finland and Hungary have all made winning entrances after waiting for their first opportunity.
At the other end, patience is already becoming dangerous. The Netherlands have lost twice, Canada have lost twice without scoring, Spain remain goalless, and several former powers are entering matches where another defeat would create a serious early deficit. The campaign is still far from decided, but the comfortable opening phase is over.
Round three is where a good start can become authority — and a bad start can become a crisis.
World Cup Qualifiers (U21)
Leaders Emerge, Heavyweights Stir and the Pressure Starts to Bite
Two sets of U21 matches have already produced some clear early statements. Belgium, Austria, Venezuela, Norway, Iceland, Croatia, South Korea, Poland and Brazil all remain perfect, while several groups now contain teams already fighting to prevent the leaders from disappearing over the horizon.
The previous matches also brought some emphatic reminders that reputation offers no protection. Latvia scored four in Greece, Croatia put five past Japan, Romania opened with four against China, Moldova dismantled Thailand and Brazil overwhelmed Germany 5–1. At this level, bad nights happen. When they become humiliations, however, the rule remains unchanged: the national team manager owns the damage.
The next matches arrive with the tables beginning to matter. Some teams can now establish genuine control; others are already playing to stop a difficult start becoming a qualification crisis.
Group A — Belgium Perfect, Uruguay Recover, Netherlands Return
Belgium followed their 4–0 opening victory with another convincing performance, beating Hungary 3–1. Tim Van Geffen, Luka Remy and David Bourgeois had the match largely settled before half-time, and Belgium now sit on six points with seven goals scored.
Uruguay produced the response they needed after their opening humiliation, beating Australia 2–1 through two goals from Manuel Alejandro Guaglianoni Batto. The next stage brings Netherlands back against Uruguay after the Dutch sat out the previous round, while Belgium face Australia with the chance to make it three wins from three. Hungary rest after losing twice. Belgium have taken control, but the Netherlands still possess the opportunity to keep the group from becoming a procession.
Austria made it two wins from two by edging Slovakia 1–0, Nico Margreiter scoring the decisive goal. It was less dramatic than their opening 3–2 victory over Latvia, but just as valuable. Six points already give Austria breathing room at the top.
Latvia responded spectacularly to that opening defeat by crushing Greece 4–0. Kajs Lerga scored a hat-trick inside the opening 37 minutes, and a four-goal home defeat leaves the Greek national team manager responsible for a thoroughly miserable night. Defending champions Slovenia now return against Latvia after drawing their only match so far, while Austria have the opportunity to punish Greece again. The champions have played less than those around them, but they cannot allow Austria's lead to grow much further.
Venezuela followed their explosive 4–1 opening victory by beating Rep. of Montenegro 2–0, with Jubert Agreda scoring both goals. Six points and only one goal conceded give Venezuela the strongest start in the group.
Algeria remain unbeaten after drawing 1–1 with Russia, Aomar Berraja giving them the early lead before Nikita Shereshkov equalised after the break. Algeria now face Switzerland, who are still searching for their first points after their heavy opening defeat. Montenegro meet Russia after starting with two losses and no goals scored. Venezuela sit out with six points already secured. The leaders have done their part; now Algeria have the opportunity to close the gap.
Group D has been waiting since September, leaving its opening picture completely unchanged. Canada and Turkey both began with 2–0 victories, while New Zealand and Israel entered the long break without a point or a goal.
The wait now ends with the two opening winners meeting directly. Canada and Turkey have identical records, identical goal differences and clean sheets, so their meeting offers the first genuine separation in this compact group. New Zealand and Israel face an equally important contest at the other end, where one side can finally put its first points on the board. With only four teams and fewer matches available, there is less time to repair mistakes. The next results may therefore carry more weight here than almost anywhere else.
Lithuania moved to four points after surviving a lively 3–2 match against Malta. Marcelis Skroblas scored twice, including the goal that restored Lithuania's advantage after Malta had briefly taken the lead.
The more striking result came from Argentina, who entered the campaign by beating France 2–0. Miguel Diez Maldonado struck after only four minutes before Rudy Molina completed the victory in the second half. Argentina now sit just one point behind Lithuania despite playing a match fewer. They travel into their next test against Malta, while France face Albania needing a response after their first defeat. Lithuania rest on top. The table belongs to Lithuania for now, but Argentina's entrance has changed the balance immediately.
Norway strengthened their position with an impressive 3–1 victory over Finland. Stian Skulstad scored twice and Norway moved to six points from two matches, with five goals scored and only one conceded.
The United States of America also made a convincing entrance, beating Colombia 3–1 through Rogelio Eberhardt, Graham Rachal and Nicolao Guitierrez. The Americans now face Finland in a match that could determine who becomes Norway's strongest challenger, while Chile and Colombia meet with both still searching for their first points. Norway sit out after doing everything asked of them. The leaders have the perfect record; now the USA have the chance to show they can keep pace.
Iceland made it two wins from two with a controlled 2–0 victory over Bangladesh. Hoeskuldur Vilbergsson and Sigmar Larusson scored within five minutes of each other in the first half, leaving Iceland on six points and only one goal conceded.
South Africa also began impressively, beating India 3–1 in their first appearance. They now meet Iceland in what has immediately become the group's most important contest: Iceland can extend their perfect start, while South Africa can join them on six points despite having played one match fewer. Peru return against India after winning their opener, while Bangladesh rest after two defeats. Iceland have built the lead; South Africa now have the first real opportunity to challenge it.
Czech republic produced one of the strongest results of the previous matches, beating Italy 3–0. Arnold Senkerik opened the scoring before Jan Hysky struck twice, leaving Italy with one victory and one heavy defeat after their extraordinary 5–3 opener.
Mexico also recovered, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 1–0 through Rai Lerma. Bosnia have now lost twice despite scoring three goals in their opener. The next stage brings Serbia back against Italy after Serbia's emphatic 4–1 opening victory over Mexico, while the Czech republic face Bosnia with the opportunity to move to six points. Italy's three-goal defeat demands an answer; Serbia will not provide an easy place to find one.
Positions: 1st - Croatia (6 points), 2nd - Romania (3 points), 3rd - Japan (3 points), 4th - Sweden (0 points), 5th - China (0 points)
Croatia produced a spectacular 5–2 victory over Japan, with Alberto Dracar scoring a hat-trick. Six points from two matches and six goals scored have given Croatia complete early control of the table.
Romania were equally explosive in their first appearance, beating China 4–1 as Ferdinand Tecuta scored all four Romanian goals. The next match therefore brings together the group's two strongest performances so far. Croatia can move to nine points; Romania can join them on six while still holding a match in hand. Sweden and China meanwhile meet with both still on zero. The leaders are no longer merely collecting points — Croatia and Romania are beginning to look like a genuine heavyweight confrontation.
South Korea followed their 5–0 demolition of Bolivia with a 2–1 victory over Scotland. Jong Su Youj and Duk Bae Sagong scored early, and South Korea now sit on six points with seven goals scored.
Moldova made an equally impressive entrance by beating Thailand 4–1. Three goals inside the opening 32 minutes effectively decided the match before Ruslan Iordan added another after the break. Moldova now travel to Scotland, who have lost both matches, while Bolivia finally return against Thailand after their infamous opening 5–0 defeat with only nine players on the field. The Bolivian manager's responsibility for that remains beyond debate. South Korea sit out with six points; Moldova now have a chance to join the serious chase.
Poland followed their opening 3–0 victory with another commanding performance, beating Estonia 3–1. Rafael Ordon scored twice and Aleksander Przygodzki added another as Poland moved to six points with six goals scored.
Spain also began successfully, recovering from an early Bulgarian goal to win 2–1. Spain now face Estonia with the opportunity to move level with Poland on six points, while Portugal return against Bulgaria with both teams still searching for their first points. Poland sit out after a flawless start. The four-time champions have already imposed themselves on the group; Spain now have the first opportunity to demonstrate that the leaders will not be allowed to escape.
Brazil produced perhaps the strongest heavyweight statement of the previous U21 matches, crushing Germany 5–1. Benjamin Chulapa scored a hat-trick, while Euler Matos and Duba Niteroi added the others. Germany had actually scored first through Florian Reichel, which only makes the scale of the collapse more striking. A four-goal defeat after taking the lead belongs firmly on the German national team manager's desk.
Denmark also made a winning entrance, coming from behind to beat England 2–1 with two late goals. England have now lost twice and remain bottom with zero points. Brazil and Denmark meet next with perfect records, while Ireland return against England after sitting out. Brazil can reach nine points and take a major step toward controlling the group; England are already fighting to prevent their qualification campaign from slipping away.
Good Starts Are Becoming Standards — Bad Starts Are Becoming Problems
The U21 campaign is now moving beyond first impressions. Belgium, Austria, Venezuela, Norway, Iceland, Croatia, South Korea, Poland and Brazil have converted promising openings into perfect records, while Argentina, Romania, South Africa, the United States and Moldova have arrived later but immediately announced themselves as serious challengers.
At the other end, the pressure is no longer theoretical. Hungary, Montenegro, Colombia, India, Bangladesh, Bosnia and England have all lost twice, while several others are already carrying damaging goal differences. The next matches will not decide qualification, but they can begin creating gaps that become increasingly difficult to close.
Two rounds created the contenders. The next one begins separating them from everyone else.
World Cup Qualifiers (U19)
Perfect Starts, Sudden Recoveries and a Growing Sense of Urgency
The U19 qualification campaign is beginning to separate strong openings from genuine momentum. Peru, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Australia and Mexico have all built perfect records, while several other contenders have recovered quickly after opening setbacks. The defending world champions Belgium, however, have already discovered how little protection a title offers once a new campaign begins.
The previous matches brought goals, reversals and some striking changes of direction. Croatia rebounded with three late goals, Finland defeated Belgium after their remarkable opening comeback, France recovered by beating Turkey and Moldova finally entered the competition with a victory. At the other end, Sweden, Greece, Bangladesh, Albania, South Africa and Austria have already lost twice.
The next matches will not decide qualification, but they can begin creating gaps that become increasingly uncomfortable to chase.
Group A — Bosnia Arrive Strongly as Croatia Recover
Bosnia and Herzegovina made an impressive entrance by beating Ireland 3–1, with Robert Stepinac scoring twice before Kresimir Kuduzovic added the third. Ireland had opened with a victory, but the defeat immediately pulled them back into a crowded group.
Croatia also recovered from their opening loss to the Netherlands, beating Greece 3–0 with all three goals arriving in the final twelve minutes. The next stage brings the Netherlands back against Ireland, while Bosnia travel to Greece with the opportunity to make it two wins from two. Croatia sit out on three points. Four teams currently share that total, making Group A one of the tightest sections in qualification, while Greece already risk being left behind after two defeats and no goals scored.
Positions: 1st - Peru (6 points), 2nd - Bulgaria (3 points), 3rd - Scotland (3 points), 4th - Israel (0 points), 5th - Sweden (0 points)
Peru followed their six-goal opening demolition with a 3–1 victory over Israel. Quinten Febres scored again before Saturnin Renteria struck twice, taking Peru to six points and nine goals from two matches.
Bulgaria also entered successfully, beating Sweden 2–1 through first-half goals from Anguel Liaskov and Sotir Stoichkov. Sweden have now lost twice and conceded eight goals, while Israel are also pointless after two matches. The next round brings Scotland back against Sweden after their winning opener, while Peru face Bulgaria in a direct contest between unbeaten teams. Peru have been the most explosive side in the group, but Bulgaria now get the opportunity to test whether that momentum can be slowed.
Group C has been waiting since September, leaving its opening picture unchanged. Brazil began with a convincing 3–0 victory over Canada, while Slovenia edged Serbia 2–1 through Denis Anzel's late winner.
The compact four-team group now resumes with Brazil facing Serbia and Slovenia meeting Canada. Serbia already need to respond after losing their opener, while Canada must recover from a three-goal defeat. Brazil and Slovenia can both reach six points, and with fewer matches available than in the five-team groups, every early advantage carries additional value. Three former world champions occupy this group; the next matches begin showing which of them are ready to live up to that history.
Latvia produced another strong attacking performance, beating Uruguay 4–1 after scoring three times inside the opening 24 minutes. Kriss Jankovskis scored twice and Latvia now sit on six points with seven goals scored.
Italy also made a successful entrance, defeating South Africa 3–1 through Benedetto Giordano, Antonio Bellino and Fidelio Garino. Italy now face Uruguay with the chance to join Latvia on six points, while South Korea meet South Africa in a contest between two sides still searching for their first victory. Latvia sit out having done everything required so far. Their perfect record has established the standard; Italy now have the opportunity to become the first serious challenger.
Finland followed their extraordinary comeback against Argentina by beating defending champions Belgium 2–1. Pietari Tikkanen and Lauri Laukkanen again provided the goals, giving Finland four points from two matches.
Argentina matched that total by beating Czech republic 3–1, with Jesus Caballero scoring twice after Gerard Rivero had opened the scoring. Argentina and Finland now lead the group unbeaten, while Belgium have been pushed back to three points. Portugal return against Argentina still looking for their first points, while Finland face a Czech side that lost its opener. Belgium sit out and must watch the teams above them move again. The champions are far from finished, but the group no longer belongs to them by default.
Norway strengthened their position with a commanding 3–0 victory over Lithuania. Arvid Lium scored early before Jimmy Oestensen and Morten Oterhals completed the result, leaving Norway with six points, five goals scored and none conceded.
Slovakia also entered with a victory, beating Bangladesh 2–1 through two goals from Tomas Jurik. Norway and Slovakia now meet directly, giving the latter an immediate opportunity to challenge the leaders despite having played one match fewer. Switzerland and Bangladesh meet at the other end with both still searching for their first points. Lithuania sit out after seeing their winning start disappear. Norway have been perfect so far; the next match provides their first opponent carrying its own unbeaten record.
Poland turned a difficult-looking trip to Hungary into a 4–1 victory, with Wlodek Blas producing an extraordinary four-goal performance inside the opening 29 minutes. Poland now have six points and six goals from two matches.
Bolivia recovered from their opening defeat by beating Japan 1–0 through Teobaldo Flores, leaving Japan pointless after two matches. The next round produces the group's most important contest so far as England, winners of their only match, face Poland. England can join the leaders on six points; Poland can move to nine and create a major early advantage. Japan and Hungary meanwhile meet with both desperate to stop their campaigns sliding further. Poland have dominated the headlines; England now get the chance to test the substance behind them.
Romania made it two wins from two by defeating Albania 3–1. Gino Panc scored twice, and Romania now lead the group with six points after scoring three goals in both matches.
Estonia remain unbeaten but dropped their first points in a 1–1 draw with Thailand. Erki Perli gave Estonia an early lead before Wijai Rungruangvirojn equalised late. Romania now rest, leaving Estonia with the chance to close the gap against Chile. Thailand travel to Albania, who have already lost twice and conceded eight goals. Romania have established control without needing spectacular scorelines; Estonia remain close enough to ensure that control is not yet secure.
Rep. of Montenegro produced one of the strongest recoveries of the previous matches, beating China 3–2 after losing their opener to the United States. Srdjan Lakovic, Milosav Buzic and Tihomir Djukic supplied the goals in a match that swung repeatedly.
The United States of America remain top after drawing 2–2 with Venezuela. The Americans led twice but were caught late by Davis Dudamel. They now face Russia, who return after losing their only match 4–1, while Montenegro meet Venezuela in a contest between two unbeaten teams on the night but very different positions in the table. China sit out after seeing their winning start disappear. Nobody has taken control of Group I, and that may make it one of the most unpredictable sections in the competition.
Australia followed their astonishing 12–0 opening victory with a far more conventional 2–1 win over New Zealand. Erol Rix and Jesse Tobias scored the goals, giving Australia six points and an extraordinary fourteen goals after only two matches.
Moldova also entered successfully, beating Austria 2–1 through Eric Petrov and Pasa Lamblov. Austria at least avoided another catastrophe after the infamous twelve-goal opening defeat, but two losses still leave them bottom. The Austrian national team manager remains responsible for the crater left by that first result. Australia now face Moldova in a direct meeting between perfect teams, while Malta play Austria with both searching for their first points. Australia's goal difference is absurd; Moldova now get the chance to test whether the leaders are equally strong when the match stays competitive.
Mexico continued their flawless start by beating Spain 2–0. An own goal broke the deadlock before Isaac Morales added the second, leaving Mexico with six points, six goals scored and none conceded.
Algeria moved to four points by beating Denmark 2–1, Farouk Hamidi scoring both goals. Mexico now travel to Iceland, who remain unbeaten after drawing their only match, while Denmark face Spain with both sides already under pressure. Algeria sit out just two points behind the leaders. Mexico have controlled both matches without conceding; until somebody scores against them, the rest of Group K are chasing more than just points.
France produced a strong response to their opening defeat by beating Turkey 3–1. Clement Anne scored twice in quick succession after Turkey had taken the lead, and Robin Dubuc finished the job in the second half.
Colombia remain unbeaten after drawing 1–1 with Germany. Sascha Heichele gave Germany an early lead, but Marcos Marin equalised late to keep Colombia top on four points. The next round sends Colombia against India, who return after their opening 6–0 humiliation. That result remains firmly the responsibility of the Indian national team manager, and a response is overdue. France meanwhile face Germany in a meeting between two teams still trying to establish their true level. Turkey sit out after seeing their six-goal opening high disappear immediately.
Momentum Is Becoming Valuable — and Recovery Is Becoming Urgent
The U19 campaign is beginning to reveal its strongest early contenders. Peru continue to score freely, Latvia and Norway have been immaculate, Poland look ruthless, Romania remain perfect, Australia have combined absurd attacking numbers with another victory, and Mexico have yet to concede. Elsewhere, Argentina and Finland have moved ahead of the defending champions, while Bosnia, Italy, Moldova and Slovakia have all made strong first appearances.
The other side of the table is becoming less forgiving. Several teams have already lost twice, and another defeat would leave some of them chasing an increasingly distant target. Even the biggest reputations now have to produce rather than remember.
The first matches created possibilities. The next ones begin turning them into expectations.
World Cup Qualifiers (U17)
Perfect Runs, Big Responses and Early Trouble: U17 Qualification Heats Up
The U17 campaign has already moved beyond first impressions. Romania, Chile, Australia, Albania, Slovenia, Scotland, Croatia and Italy have all turned strong beginnings into perfect records, while several other contenders have entered later and immediately forced themselves into the conversation.
The previous matches also delivered some brutal reminders. Serbia scored six against India, Estonia put five past New Zealand, Romania shut out Spain, Croatia defeated the defending champions Brazil, and Italy scored four in Russia. Some beaten teams responded well; others have already begun collecting problems rather than points.
The next matches now bring direct clashes between leaders, chances for fresh teams to catch up, and uncomfortable tests for sides already carrying two defeats.
Group A — Four Teams on Three Points, Algeria Already Isolated
Argentina responded strongly to their opening defeat by beating Algeria 3–0, Nazareno Maure Isasmendi scoring twice before Tomas Ferrer Serrano completed the result. Norway also entered successfully, edging Germany 1–0 through Frode Lyngaas.
That leaves Moldova, Argentina, Germany and Norway all on three points, although Moldova and Norway have played only once. Moldova now return against Germany after their clean opening victory over Algeria, while Argentina face Norway in another direct contest among the leaders. Algeria sit out after two defeats and five conceded without scoring. Group A is still wide open at the top, but one team is already drifting badly at the bottom.
Romania made it two wins from two with another 2–0 victory, this time against Spain. Dani Stanescu and Codrut Udriste scored before half-time, and Romania have now collected six points without conceding.
Bulgaria also made a winning entrance, beating Rep. of Montenegro 1–0 through Nikolay Ploshtakov. Spain now face Bulgaria after two defeats, four goals conceded and none scored, making their next match immediately important. Malta return against Montenegro, while Romania sit out with a perfect record safely banked. The leaders could hardly have started better; Spain could hardly have started worse.
Chile followed their six-goal opening victory with a 3–2 win over Greece. Wilson Gomez scored again and Carlos Pinto added two, leaving Chile on six points with nine goals already scored.
Bangladesh meanwhile earned their first point in dramatic fashion against Switzerland, although they will be disappointed after leading 2–0 until the 87th minute. Switzerland scored twice late to rescue a 2–2 draw. The next round brings Uruguay back against Chile after Uruguay's own impressive opening victory. Bangladesh face Greece with both searching for a first win. Chile have set the attacking standard; Uruguay now get the chance to test whether that firepower can be contained.
Positions: 1st - Sweden (4 points), 2nd - Serbia (3 points), 3rd - Colombia (1 point), 4th - Hungary (1 point), 5th - India (1 point)
Serbia made an extraordinary entrance by crushing India 6–1. Vukadin Vujacic scored a hat-trick and Bratoljub Brkic added two as Serbia turned their first match into a demolition. The Indian national team manager owns every part of a five-goal defeat.
Sweden also moved strongly, beating Hungary 3–1 to reach four points and the top of the table. Serbia now face Hungary with the chance to make it two wins from two, while Colombia return against India. Sweden sit out after establishing the early lead. The table says Sweden are first; the eye-catching result says Serbia may be the team everyone else has to fear.
Australia followed their 4–1 opening victory with a 2–0 win over England. Eerik Murphy and Wes Goldie supplied the goals, giving Australia six points from two matches and only one conceded.
Thailand also recovered well, coming from behind to beat Czech republic 2–1. Australia now face the Czech side with the chance to move to nine points, while Poland return against Thailand after their narrow opening victory over England. England sit out after two defeats and still no goals scored. For a team that finished third at the last U17 World Cup, that is already a deeply uncomfortable start.
Albania made it two wins from two by beating Mexico 2–0. Dukagjin Zymberi opened the scoring before Pellumbardh Beka secured the result, leaving Albania on six points with four goals scored and only one conceded.
Austria recovered from their opening defeat by beating Lithuania 2–1 after coming from behind. Venezuela now return against Austria after drawing their only match, while Albania face Lithuania with the opportunity to make it three straight victories. Mexico sit out on one point. Albania are not merely leading the group; they have already created the chance to establish real separation.
Slovenia followed their eight-goal thriller against Denmark with another strong result, beating Peru 3–1. Viktor Udovic scored again before Alen Krasovec struck twice, giving Slovenia six points and eight goals from two matches.
Denmark and Latvia meanwhile played out a goalless draw, earning their first points but doing little to close the gap at the top. The next round brings Finland back against Slovenia after Finland's convincing 3–0 opening victory. That creates a direct contest between perfect records, although Finland have played one match fewer. Denmark face Peru with both still looking for their first win. Slovenia lead; Finland now get the chance to challenge them properly.
Group H has become completely congested. Estonia responded to their opening defeat by crushing New Zealand 5–1, with Linnar Arulo scoring all five goals. South Africa also made a winning entrance, beating the United States 2–1 through Phaphile Sithole and Peter Matanzima.
That leaves the USA, Canada, Estonia and South Africa all on three points, while New Zealand remain pointless after two defeats and eight goals conceded. Canada now face the USA, while Estonia meet South Africa in two direct contests among teams level in the table. One round could completely reshape the group. New Zealand sit out and can only hope the others do not pull further away.
Scotland kept their perfect start alive by beating Ireland 1–0 through Lewis Minto. Two matches, six points and no goals conceded give Scotland a strong early grip on the group.
Belgium also entered in convincing fashion, beating China 3–0 with Jelle Nijs scoring twice. Belgium now face Ireland with the opportunity to join Scotland on six points despite having played one match fewer, while South Korea return against China with both still searching for their first victory. Scotland sit out. The leaders have been efficient and clean; Belgium now have the chance to prove they can match them.
Croatia produced one of the biggest statements of the U17 campaign by beating defending world champions Brazil 2–0. Petar Stimac scored twice, and Croatia now sit on six points without conceding a single goal.
Israel also made an impressive entrance, beating Iceland 3–0. Iceland made matters worse by fielding only ten players, which puts the responsibility exactly where it belongs: with the Icelandic national team manager. Croatia and Israel now meet in a direct contest between perfect records, while Turkey face Iceland with both still on zero. Brazil sit out after seeing their title-winning reputation punctured. Croatia have taken control; Israel now get the first real chance to challenge it.
Group K has been waiting since the opening round, leaving France and Portugal level on three points. France began with a dominant 4–0 victory over Japan, while Portugal edged Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–1.
The four-team group now resumes with the two winners meeting directly. France bring the stronger goal difference and the cleaner performance, but Portugal have the same number of points and the chance to take control. Bosnia and Japan meet at the other end with both looking for their first result. In a four-team group there is little room for wasted matches, making this second set of games especially important.
Italy followed their opening clean-sheet victory by beating Russia 4–1. Corrado Giordano scored twice, with Santo Piras and Giuseppe Palazzo adding the others, leaving Italy on six points with six goals scored and only one conceded.
Netherlands recovered from their opening defeat by beating Slovakia 1–0 through Simon Palmer. The next round brings Bolivia back against Italy after Bolivia's impressive opening victory over the Dutch. That creates a direct contest between unbeaten teams, while Slovakia and Russia meet with both still searching for their first points. Italy have established the pace; Bolivia now have the opportunity to show whether their opening result was the beginning of something substantial.
Early Leaders Are Becoming Targets — and the Chasers Are Running Out of Excuses
The U17 campaign now has a clear collection of early front-runners. Romania have been flawless, Chile cannot stop scoring, Australia and Albania have taken complete control of their starts, Slovenia continue to combine goals with victories, Scotland remain perfect without conceding, Croatia have beaten the defending champions, and Italy have opened with two convincing wins.
But the next stage brings several direct tests among unbeaten sides, and that is where early momentum begins to acquire real meaning. At the other end, teams already carrying two defeats can no longer treat the table as something temporary. The campaign is still young, but the comfortable margin for error is disappearing quickly.
The opening rounds told us who started well. The next one begins telling us who truly belongs at the top.
