Romania’s Rout Sets the Bar as China Try to Hold Their Nerve
Round 5 arrives with the group split between one side riding a statement win and another trying to prove they can keep pace. Romania may sit on 7 points, but the message was sent in Round 4: a ruthless 5–0 dismantling of the Czech Republic, built on 69% possession and 19 shots on target. Jean Mindeac (two goals) and Miron Arbanasu (goal, 9.7) spearheaded a performance that looked like a former champion remembering what control feels like.
Yet they’re not alone at the top. China also have 7 points from three matches, and have already beaten both Romania and the Czechs, plus a 1–1 draw with Serbia. The margins are thinner now: any slip invites Romania to sprint clear before their head-to-head returns later.
So Round 5 carries two clear pressures. China visit Bulgaria, who’ve drawn twice and shown they can scrap — holding Romania 1–1 and then taking another point in Serbia despite being outshot. Meanwhile, Serbia host the Czech Republic in a game that could decide who stays attached to the top two and who gets dragged into a fight for third.
Algeria’s Perfect Run Meets Albania’s Revival in a Defining Night
Three rounds, three wins, and Algeria have taken early ownership of Group B. They’ve conceded just once, and their latest step was the kind of professional win that hardens a campaign: a controlled 1–0 over Estonia, decided by E. Nahnah (18’) and protected by another standout showing from M. Zouani (10.0), man of the match again. Before that came an even louder statement — a 2–0 away win over the USA — proving this isn’t just momentum, it’s authority.
Round 5, though, brings the real measuring stick. Albania (4 pts) arrive off their best performance of the group so far, a sharp 3–1 win in Canada where Bahri Sina struck twice and Astrit Hodaj earned top billing. Albania have scored in every match and already traded punches with the USA (a wild 4–2 defeat), so Algeria’s clean-sheet rhythm will be tested by volume and speed.
Elsewhere, Estonia (1 pt) face the USA (6 pts) with little margin left after back-to-back defeats. The Americans have shown they can be devastating in transition — three goals at Canada and four against Albania — but Algeria also showed they can be frustrated. If Estonia are to climb off the bottom, they’ll need more than possession: they’ll need finishing.
India Set the Pace, While the Pack Collides Behind Them
Four rounds in, India have turned Group C into a chase. Three wins from four and eight goals scored have opened daylight at the top, and the latest 4–1 dismissal of Australia underlined how clinical they can be when the game breaks open: Parashuram Subramanium struck twice in two minutes, then Aryaman Rai finished the job with a second-half double. With Kadir Muduthanapally again towering at the back (9.8, man of the match), India look increasingly hard to unsettle.
Round 5 shifts the spotlight to the teams trying to keep contact. Croatia climbed back into the mix by winning 1–0 in Latvia, a tight contest settled by Pavo Vidak (23’) and anchored by an excellent Srdjan Kostopec (10.0). Now they face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have been explosive at home — their 5–1 over Australia came via an astonishing five-goal haul from Esmir Kadric — but also capable of being held, as Latvia proved in a bruising 0–0 with multiple injuries.
The other fixture is a pressure test for Australia. Bottom with one point and ten conceded, they need a response against Latvia, who already showed they can hurt India (a 3–1 win) but have lacked the same edge in tighter games. If Latvia rediscover that finishing touch early, Australia’s margins could disappear fast.
Group D has a clear front-runner on points, yet nothing feels settled. Moldova sit top with 7, built on punchy starts and timely second-half strikes: they led Thailand inside three minutes before needing a late rescue in a 2–2, then followed up by beating Italy 2–0 away through Dmitrii Musat and Vasile Turcan. With Valeriu Delion repeatedly turning in elite ratings (including a 10.0 at Italy), the platform is there for something bigger.
Round 5 raises the stakes immediately. Iceland welcome Moldova knowing a win would flip the group. Iceland’s record is split between dominance and damage control: a red card helped them cruise past South Africa 3–0, but Italy exposed them in a thrilling 3–2 — and injuries have already hit, with Sindri Mar Logason forced off in that defeat. Still, they responded by edging Thailand 2–1, with Thorhallur Oern Benediktsson and Edvard Gislason on the scoresheet.
Elsewhere, Italy arrive in South Africa needing momentum after the Moldova loss. Their attack has shown bite — three goals against Iceland and points taken off Thailand — but discipline has been noisy, with early yellows in both the Thailand draw and the Iceland win. South Africa, meanwhile, have rebounded from the Iceland collapse by beating Thailand 2–0, then pushing Moldova late. If they keep that intensity, Italy won’t get a quiet night.
Perfect Bangladesh Face the One Attack Nobody Has Stopped
Three rounds, three wins, and Bangladesh have made Group E their own. They haven’t needed fireworks either: a clinical 1–0 over England and another 1–0 away to Finland have been enough to keep them flawless, before edging Slovakia 2–1 to move to 9 points. The backbone has been obvious — Abdullah Al Shakoor has twice been named man of the match, while Sunil Chandra Hossain and a repeat-scoring M. Islam keep the structure tight and the moments decisive.
Now comes the biggest measuring stick so far: Switzerland arrive with 14 goals scored and only 1 conceded, powered by a ruthless 11–0 demolition of Finland and Doug Kohli’s early double against Slovakia. Even in England, they found an early equaliser through Nuno Gaitan and held firm for a 1–1. If Bangladesh have been the specialists in narrow control, Switzerland have been the group’s statement-makers.
Behind them, England have steadied after two losses, holding Switzerland and still carrying the memory of that 6–0 opening rout of Finland. Round 5 also offers Slovakia a rare chance to climb: after pushing England 3–2 and losing narrowly to Bangladesh, they meet Finland, who remain winless and goalless while shipping 18. On paper it’s the soft landing — but in this group, confidence has been anything but guaranteed.
Bolivia’s Control Meets Ireland’s Momentum in a True Lead-Test
Group F has developed a clear shape at the top: Bolivia lead with 7 points, but Ireland sit right behind on 6 after the round’s loudest statement. Drew Coffey’s man-of-the-match display spearheaded a brutal 7–2 win over Uruguay, and Ireland followed it with a clinical 1–0 away success against Chile — sealed early by Sean Larkin. The only cloud is significant: captain Padraig Wilson went off with a bad injury and is expected to miss most of the remaining season, a potential reshuffle point ahead of the group’s biggest fixture.
That fixture is simple and decisive: Ireland vs. Bolivia. Bolivia have been the group’s steadiest side — a dominant 2–0 over Uruguay driven by Vladimir Daher’s double, then a high-tempo 4–2 win over Hungary, and finally a stubborn 0–0 with Chile where both keepers shone. They’ve conceded just 2 in three matches, and even when the goals dry up, their shape has held.
Elsewhere, Hungary vs. Chile carries weight at the bottom. Hungary have scored 6 but leaked 7, while Chile remain winless with only one goal in three — yet they have repeatedly competed, holding Uruguay and shutting out Bolivia. With Uruguay already on four games played and sitting mid-table, Round 5 is a chance for someone to break free of the logjam — or let the leaders sprint away.
Two Co-Leaders, One Perfect Defense, and Portugal Lurking
After two rounds, Group G is already split into clear lanes. Malta and Netherlands share the lead on 4 points apiece, and neither has been beaten — but they’ve arrived there in very different ways. Malta have mixed resilience with timely punch, beating Portugal 2–1 before grinding out a 0–0 in the meeting with the Dutch. Zach Magri has set the tone from goal, earning man of the match in that stalemate, while Malta’s back five have shown they can suffer and still stay upright.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, are operating on a knife-edge: one goal scored, none conceded. They pinched the opener in Sweden through Xian Siebes, then fired 11 shots on target against Malta without reward. With that control but limited output, their next test feels pivotal: Netherlands vs. Portugal in Round 3. Portugal sit on 3 points and have already shown they can win ugly — Marcio Barroso struck after one minute to beat Sweden despite just 29% possession. They also created plenty in Malta (15 shots, 9 on target) even in defeat, so there’s attacking promise beneath the results.
At the bottom, Sweden are winless and still without a goal, yet the margins are thin: they dominated the ball against the Netherlands and hammered out 15 shots against Portugal. Round 3 gives them a different kind of problem in Malta — a side happy to let you have it, and ready to punish a lapse.
Poland’s Perfect Run Leaves Everyone Else Fighting for Air
Three matches, three wins, seven goals scored, and none conceded: Poland have turned Group H into a chase. They edged Russia 1–0, dismantled Turkey 3–0, then followed up with a ruthless 3–0 against France, a night where they racked up 27 shots and 20 on target. Piotr Matuszewski has been the steady hand behind it all, while the goals have been spread — Marcin Rossa, Jarogniew Latocha, Herbert Dziadosz, Tadeusz Czaja, and Michal Zalcewicz have all delivered key moments.
Behind them, it’s a tight, tense scramble. Russia sit on 4 points from 4 games after a late Evgenys Starikov winner against Colombia rescued their campaign, but the margins have been slim all the way — including the 2–1 loss to France where Evgeny Gubarev scored but couldn’t stop the slide. Turkey are also on 4 points, built on discipline and a big away punch: Ferda Caner struck late to snatch a draw in Russia, and Duyal Ilker finished the job versus Colombia — though Poland exposed how little room there is for error.
That leaves Colombia and France both on 3 points, each searching for consistency. Colombia opened by outshooting and outplaying France, with Carlos Andres Rojas scoring twice, but they’ve since been shut out in back-to-back defeats. France, after that opening stumble, showed real bite by beating Russia through early goals from Ulysse Pelissier and Michael Dubuc — yet they were flattened again by Poland, and now face another pressure match in Round 5.
Belgium Edge the Summit, but Scotland and South Korea are Right There
The standings say Belgium lead, but the performances say this group is still a live wire. Belgium have already shown two faces: a composed 2–1 win over South Korea built on late strikes from Nicolas Lefebvre and Christopher Leroy, then a frustrating slip in Argentina where an own goal swung a 2–1 defeat. Since then, they’ve steadied the ship — an early Jarno Maes goal nearly delivered three points in Scotland before David MacFarlane’s late penalty forced a 1–1, and Belgium finished Round 4 with a businesslike 2–0 over Israel as Leroy and N. Van Rossem struck.
South Korea look the most direct threat. After that narrow opening loss, they’ve responded with punch: Jung-Hwan Jang scored twice in a clinical 3–0 against Israel, and Korea outlasted Argentina 2–1 with a late winner, even while conceding possession and living off ruthless shot volume. Scotland, meanwhile, are the group’s hard read: two draws without scoring, then a statement 1–0 win over Argentina thanks to M. Bremner — and they did it with control, chance creation, and another big display from Alick Mabel.
Argentina have talent and moments — they beat Belgium and pushed Korea — but they’re paying for fine margins. Israel are still searching for their first goal, yet their defensive numbers and standout goalkeeping show they’re not just rolling over; the problem is turning resilience into points.
Peru Turn the Group into a Shootout, Montenegro Still Refuse to Blink
Peru have taken control with the loudest statement in the group: a ruthless 4–1 win over Lithuania that followed their opening 3–0 dismissal of Germany. The pattern is clear — when Peru find tempo, they don’t just win, they overwhelm. Josias Abril exploded with a second-half hat-trick in Kaunas, while Saturnino Gaspar ran the show from the back and still walked away as man of the match. Even the one result that didn’t sparkle on the scoreboard, a 0–0 in New Zealand, underlined their control: Peru had the ball and territory, but met a wall in Kerry Rust and Thomas Faulder.
Montenegro are the opposite story — tight, patient, and incredibly hard to break. They’ve conceded zero goals in three matches, stealing points with structure and one late dagger: K. Danic’s 90' penalty against Lithuania remains the difference between chasing and leading. If Peru are chaos, Montenegro are discipline, and their meeting is now the group’s defining clash of styles.
Behind them, Lithuania have competed without reward — dominant possession in Montenegro and plenty of chances in Germany, yet only two goals in four matches tells the tale. Germany and New Zealand share the same problem: neither has scored yet, but both keep games close. One clean finish could flip the entire race for third.
Spain Keep Finding a Way, Denmark Loom as the Only Real Chase
Spain’s start has been all about control under pressure: 10 points from 12, only 2 goals conceded, and a knack for landing decisive punches even when they’re not monopolising the ball. They edged Denmark early, survived a stubborn Slovenia rearguard in a goalless draw, then tightened the screws with a professional 1–0 win over Greece before putting Venezuela away 3–1. Macario Astorga has been the recurring headline — scoring in three different rounds — while Cleto Alias keeps arriving with timely finishes. At the back, Reinaldo Estranzu has twice walked off with man-of-the-match honours, the clearest sign of how Spain’s five-man line is anchoring everything.
Denmark remain the group’s main disruptor: two clean-sheet wins in a row have steadied them after that opening loss in Spain. The Gunnar Larsen double against Venezuela flipped their campaign, and with Thor Danielsen, Oliver Holm and Svend Iversen consistently posting elite ratings, they look built for tight, high-stakes nights. Slovenia, meanwhile, have made their case with resilience — holding Spain to 0–0 and then dismantling Greece 3–0 behind Alan Ocepek’s brace — but their margin is thin after being blanked in Denmark.
Venezuela are dangerous but inconsistent: a four-goal burst against Greece was followed by two shutouts, then a spirited spell against Spain that still ended in defeat. Greece, scoreless and winless, are already in survival mode — and every remaining fixture is now a final.
Positions: 1st - Brazil (6 points), 2nd - Mexico (5 points), 3rd - Austria (4 points), 4th - Norway (4 points), 5th - Japan (2 points)
Mexico’s Breakthrough Blows the Group Wide Open
Group L has flipped from a Brazil-led script into a genuine five-way squeeze after Mexico’s statement win in the latest round. Brazil still sit top on 6 points, but the 3–1 home defeat to Mexico exposed a rare vulnerability: plenty of the ball, plenty of shots, and still picked off by a ruthless front line. Quinto Gonzalez set the tone with a man-of-the-match display, while Mexico’s early strike and two more clinical finishes turned a tricky trip into a defining night.
That result keeps Mexico unbeaten on 5 points and, crucially, it confirms their identity: they don’t need possession to control a match. They’ve now scored six in three games, with goals spread across Diego Subiza, Everardo Pedro, David Barreiro and Josias Rojas, and they’ve twice shown they can recover from pressure moments to take something.
Austria are quietly in position on 4 points, built on discipline and late punch — the comeback win in Norway and that chaotic 2–2 with Japan keep them close enough to pounce. Norway, despite four matches already played, finally have momentum after taking four points from their last two, with Tarjei Nyvoll anchoring everything and Jakob Lossius delivering under pressure. Japan remain winless on 2 points, but the two draws prove they’re not going away; they just need a cleaner edge in the final third.
Sweden wobble, but Malta and Czech stay in the slipstream
After finally conceding in this campaign, Sweden still hold the lead — but that 3–2 escape against Malta has tightened the mood in a group that’s suddenly alive behind them. Sweden remain on 9 points, yet Malta’s two-goal reply (through Ryan Migreco and a late Clint Saliba strike) proved they can hurt anyone when the game opens up.
Czech republic are the other side with real momentum. Their composed 2–0 win over Bulgaria, driven by Lukas Urban (two goals) and another standout showing from Bretiselav Horak, keeps them level with Malta on 6 points — and sets up a massive chance to separate from the pack.
Round 5 brings two pressure matches: Czech republic get a must-use opportunity against a Germany side still searching for rhythm despite edging Bulgaria 1–0 last time out, while Malta face winless Bulgaria knowing another three points would keep them glued to Sweden’s heels.
Norway’s statement win turns the group into a two-front chase
Norway have taken early control, and they did it the hard way: a gritty draw with Japan was followed by a thumping 4–1 win over Netherlands that now sets the tone for the whole section. Two first-half strikes from Kåre Bakk flipped that match into Norway’s tempo, and with Markus Lundhaug again among the standout performers (and on the scoresheet), the leaders look built to handle pressure moments.
The Dutch are still dangerous — they opened with a crisp 3–0 over South Africa with Jef Tuin starring — but that collapse in Round 2 leaves them playing catch-up.
That’s where South Africa enter the conversation. After being shut out by the Netherlands, they roared back with a 4–2 win over Japan, powered by Siyabonga Goni (two goals) and an imposing display from Bafana Moatshe. Japan, meanwhile, have flashes — Akihiko Tokaji has scored in both games — but only one point so far.
Round 5 feels pivotal: the Netherlands get a shot at payback against Norway, while Japan face South Africa knowing another open game could end their hopes early.
One upset later, the three-way logjam gets a true heavyweight test
Group C has turned into a knife-edge race: Argentina, India and Belgium all sit on six points, and Round 5 finally forces the leading pack to take points off each other. Argentina looked in control early — a 3–1 win over India, then a smash-and-grab 2–1 away at Algeria despite just 30% possession — but the table was shaken by a shock 2–1 defeat to Bangladesh. Even with Alfonso Toledo scoring again, Argentina managed only one shot on target while Bangladesh punished them late, inspired by man of the match Md Zakir Borhan.
India have quietly rebuilt momentum. After that opening loss, they edged Bangladesh and then produced their biggest result so far: a clinical 2–0 win away to Belgium, with goalkeeper Mansukh Uttamchandani starring as Belgium fired 18 shots and came up empty.
Belgium, meanwhile, have been efficient rather than flashy — a penalty to beat Bangladesh, then a fast-start 3–2 win in Algeria — but Round 5 brings the true measuring stick against Argentina’s disciplined five-at-the-back setup. The other match is just as loaded: India’s confidence meets an Algeria side that has competed hard in defeat and still has everything to play for.
Maliarik’s wall meets Ireland’s chaos as the pack tightens behind
Slovakia have set the early pace with seven points from three, and it’s been built on a familiar foundation: control without drama, and a goalkeeper in absurd form. Michal Maliarik has already claimed man-of-the-match honours three times — the opening 0–0 in Finland, then a 3–1 win over Israel and a 2–0 shutout against Switzerland — and Slovakia’s back line has allowed just one goal in total. With that kind of platform, even a low-scoring night can be enough.
Round 5, though, brings the group’s most volatile profile: Ireland. They’ve gone from a ruthless 3–1 win over Finland (despite only 39% possession) to a blunt 2–0 loss in Switzerland, a match derailed by Graham O’Connolly’s red card. Ireland can hurt anyone, but the margin for error against this Slovak defence is thin.
The other fixture has its own edge. Switzerland steadied themselves with that Ireland win and still sit in the hunt, while Israel are scraping for air on one point despite being competitive — a late equaliser against Ireland, then a narrow 1–0 defeat to Finland. If Israel don’t turn pressure into goals soon, the gap could start to look permanent.
Turkey land the punch, and Peru suddenly feel the heat
Turkey arrive to Round 5 with the group’s biggest statement fresh in the memory: a 2–1 win in Peru that flipped the lead and proved they can travel and suffer. Hakan Gunerman struck twice (15’, 35’) and earned a perfect 10.0 rating, while Tekin Tanridag backed it up in goal (8.9). That result has Turkey on six points from three, and suddenly every rival is chasing their tempo.
Peru still top the table on seven, but the cushion looks thinner than it did: a breathless 3–3 in Albania and now back-to-back reminders that clean sheets aren’t coming easily. The upside is clear — Alonso Rodas has been everywhere (including a brace in that 3–3), and Quentin Huaringa keeps producing elite performances — yet Peru’s margin is being shaved down week by week.
Round 5 sets up two pressure tests. Turkey face an Albania side stuck on two points despite scoring four already, while Canada meet Serbia with both sensing a swing match. Canada’s 2–0 win in Albania — powered by a dominant Sincere Dumoulin (10.0) — has given them belief, but Serbia have shown they can punish late, as Turkey learned the hard way in Belgrade.
Slovenia have turned Group F into a blur: three wins from three, a surreal 21–1 goal difference, and a rhythm that hasn’t wobbled even when the ball isn’t theirs. After the 16–1 demolition of Spain, they followed up by absorbing 70% Thailand possession and still winning 2–0 thanks to Jaka Tomsek (60’) and the inevitable Andrej Novoselc (63’). With Novoselc repeatedly hitting double-digit ratings and Slovenia posting 16 shots on target vs Estonia and 21 on target vs Spain, the standard is brutal.
Round 5, though, finally looks like a proper measuring stick. Bolivia sit on six points and have shown they don’t need volume — they thrashed Thailand 4–0 from just seven shots on target, and handled Estonia 4–1 with Tudelio Botella (9.7) pulling the strings. Their one stumble was the 0–1 loss in Spain, a reminder that margins can still bite.
Elsewhere, Spain arrive at Estonia with a new manager after consecutive disasters, while Estonia are still chasing their first point and first spark — just one goal scored so far in a group that’s been merciless.
Brazil’s runaway train leaves the rest scrapping for second
Brazil have turned Group G into a one-team exhibition: four wins from four, an outrageous 29–1 goal difference, and no sign of easing up. The headline was the 22–0 demolition of Lithuania — 40 shots, 33 on target, and a goal rush led by Venancio Ligeirinho and Jaiminho Ishii. Since then, Brazil have shown they can win ugly too: a controlled 2–1 away at Uruguay and a measured 2–0 over Romania, with Uelder de Paiva and Ligeirinho again decisive.
With first place looking locked, Round 5 is all about the chasing pack. Lithuania sit second despite a staggering 1–22 goal difference — a statistic that screams “one freak result,” but the points are real: a 1–0 win over Romania (via an own goal) and a gritty 0–0 with Uruguay, both featuring Danielius Grybelis in standout form. Their trip to Latvia now feels like a pure survival test: Latvia are draw specialists (three games, two draws), and keeper Luka Svarcs keeps producing elite ratings even in defeats.
Romania vs Uruguay has the look of a pressure match. Uruguay have already drawn both Lithuania and Latvia and pushed Brazil for long spells; Romania, meanwhile, have created chances (like the 20 shots in their 1–1 with Latvia) but are still searching for a first win to keep second place in reach.
Positions: 1st - England (7 points), 2nd - Scotland (6 points), 3rd - Portugal (4 points), 4th - France (3 points), 5th - Italy (2 points)
Alfredson’s hat-trick steadies England as Scotland keep the heat on
England still lead, but it’s been a wobble-and-respond kind of campaign. They opened by shutting out Scotland with authority, then hit the brakes in a cagey 0–0 draw with Italy before being punished by Portugal. The answer arrived in emphatic style: Reginald Alfredson tore France apart with a hat-trick in a 3–0 win, restoring control at the top and reminding everyone how ruthless England can be when their midfield clicks.
Scotland are the real story behind the leaders. After that Round 1 loss, they’ve flipped the group’s mood with two explosive wins: a 5–1 dismantling of France built on an absurdly clinical eight shots on target, and a more measured 2–1 over Italy powered again by Andrew Templeton. With Jay Fergusson repeatedly rating among the best players on the pitch, Scotland look like the one side that can match England’s intensity for 90 minutes.
The mid-table battle is tightening. Portugal already own the biggest “statement” result — beating England — and their draw with Italy shows they can scrap when the game turns ugly. Italy, meanwhile, are still unbeaten in spirit if not on paper: two draws and a one-goal loss, with Galtero Bianchi putting up huge ratings to keep them alive.
Round 5 brings two pressure fixtures: France need points to stop the slide, while Portugal–Scotland has all the makings of a direct shootout for second place — and maybe more.
Group I: Iceland set the pace as Montenegro turn into the chase leaders
Iceland have been perfect so far — three wins from three — but it hasn’t been a soft ride. They edged Montenegro with an early strike and a late red card tilting the balance, then showed real composure in Seoul before finishing off the USA with a ruthless three-minute burst. The heartbeat is Aron Ingi Hakonarson: decisive again with a brace against South Korea and the opener that broke American resistance. If Iceland keep games tight, they look built to protect a lead.
Rep. of Montenegro sit close behind and, after the Round 4 win over Venezuela, they’ve got momentum back. The 6–0 demolition of South Korea still stands as the group’s loudest warning, and their defensive numbers (just 2 conceded in four) suggest they won’t fade. Captain Dusan Stankovic has been consistently elite by rating, while Svetislav Ivanovic delivered the key goal to beat Venezuela.
Behind them, the race for third is tense. Venezuela have been oddly split: blunt in the opener against the USA, then deadly efficient in a 4–2 comeback win in Korea, before being shut out by Montenegro. The USA remain winless but stubborn — two draws and a one-goal loss — with Keanu Iversen scoring early against Montenegro and again versus Iceland.
Round 5 is all about pressure: the USA must finally turn control into points, while Venezuela’s meeting with Iceland could decide whether the top spot stays a sprint or becomes a procession.
Denmark’s control meets Colombia’s chaos as the chase bunch up
Denmark have been the group’s steady hand: three wins, seven scored, and they’ve already stared down two awkward tests. They escaped Poland despite being outshot heavily, then outlasted Australia in a tight 1–0 where Kasper Terp turned into a wall and Jesper Petersen delivered again — his Round 3 hat-trick against Croatia still sets the attacking standard for this section. With nine points banked, Denmark can afford patience; they don’t need fireworks, just their usual efficiency.
That makes Colombia the perfect contrast. They opened with a jaw-dropping 9–0 and Juan Valencia scoring seven, yet since then the rhythm has vanished: back-to-back defeats without a goal, including being held to zero shots on target in the 0–3 loss to Australia. The talent is obvious, but the mood swings are brutal — and Denmark will punish loose defending far more clinically than Croatia ever could.
Round 5 also feels like a crossroads for the chasers. Australia are disciplined and mean in both boxes (just one conceded in three), while Poland have quality — and a midfield engine in Boleslaw Wejman, who struck twice in Croatia — but they’ve left points everywhere. At the bottom, Croatia finally found a pulse with that 2–2 draw, yet their goals-against column remains a siren.
If Colombia can’t rediscover their early sharpness immediately, Denmark’s lead could start to look permanent.
Moldova keep slipping free while Austria’s goal storm waits for a “real” test
Moldova have built the kind of lead that looks small on paper but feels huge in a tight group: 7 points from 3, just one goal conceded, and the knack for striking first. They edged Bosnia early on, handled Russia with surprising authority in a 2–0, and then proved they can absorb pressure by taking a point off Austria. It’s not flashy — it’s control, timing, and a back line that rarely blinks.
Austria, meanwhile, are the tournament’s great contradiction. They’ve scored 18 and conceded only one — but 17 of those goals came in the same afternoon against a Greece side in freefall. Away from that avalanche, Austria have been held to two straight draws (0–0 vs Russia, 1–1 vs Moldova). Still, the attacking ceiling is undeniable: Andreas Moshammer hit five in the 17–0, while Henrick Schöpf and Marcello Satzinger both posted monster ratings in the rout.
Russia are harder to read: they opened with seven past Greece, then hit a wall — a blank in Austria, a shutout loss to Moldova, and a 0–0 that Bosnia dragged into a trench. Bosnia and Herzegovina have their own split personality: a narrow loss to Moldova, a 12–0 hammering of Greece, then the disciplined draw in Russia that keeps them in touch.
Round 5 has a clear theme: Moldova can turn the screws at the top, while Austria and Bosnia meet in a match that finally tells us whether Austria’s “numbers” are substance or just one extraordinary outlier.
Chile wobble but stay on top as Mexico and Hungary stalk the summit
Chile have learned the hard way that leading a group doesn’t always mean controlling it. They opened with a ruthless 5–0, survived a chaotic 4–3 in New Zealand despite a red card, then hit turbulence in Mexico before responding with a statement 3–2 win over Hungary. The table says 9 points from 4; the match logs say it’s been anything but comfortable. Still, the attack keeps bailing them out — Tristán Díaz De Loria delivered the latest rescue with a brace and a man-of-the-match 10.0 in the top-of-the-table shootout.
Mexico are the form team in the chase. After slipping in the opener against Hungary, they’ve looked sharper and meaner, beating Chile 4–2 and then handling New Zealand 2–1 away from home. Livio Aceituno has been central to everything: two early goals against Chile and the tempo-setter again in Auckland, with Sandoval and Encinas providing the finish.
Hungary sit level with Mexico on points and remain dangerous even in defeat — their forward line showed it by striking twice in Chile, with Alex Simon once again looking like the group’s purest goal threat. New Zealand have been entertaining and brave, but fine margins keep punishing them, while China are still searching for a foothold after three defeats.
Round 5 has a simple pressure point: Mexico can pile heat on the leaders, and Hungary need an immediate response to avoid letting the title race become a two-team affair.
Round 4 flipped Group A on its head. Australia followed the 4:0 demolition of Argentina with another statement — a 3:0 win over China despite only 39% possession, riding clinical moments from Matthew Hickey and a Chad Parsons double (including a late penalty). With Australia now on 6 points (9:3 goal difference), the group’s momentum has a clear new direction.
That leaves China and Argentina staring at a pivotal Round 5. China’s earlier 2:0 win over Lithuania showed they can manage games, but they were shut out by Australia and suddenly look exposed when forced to chase. Argentina — former world champions (WC 4) — have been wildly inconsistent: 3:0 over Finland, then a 0:4 collapse. Their response now has to be immediate, not symbolic.
Finland, meanwhile, finally found relief with a 1:0 win in Lithuania — decided by an own goal — and now face an Australia side that’s turning low-possession spells into high-impact bursts. If the pattern holds, Group A could be decided by who handles Australia’s pace… and who doesn’t.
United States of America have made Group B their runway: three wins from three and now 9 points, after edging South Africa 1:0 in Round 4. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient — Graham Rachal struck on 25 minutes, and the Americans backed it with volume (17 shots, 11 on target) to keep the clean sheet and maintain their grip on first.
The real heat, though, is behind them. Moldova remain second on 6 points despite that Round 2 shootout loss to the USA, and their form has been convincing: a 1:0 away win in South Africa, then a ruthless 3:0 over Uruguay with three goals inside 19 minutes. Austria are lurking on 4 points after finally getting on the board with a 1:0 over South Africa, then salvaging a wild 2:2 draw in Uruguay thanks to Linus Bertignoll’s late leveller.
Round 5 sets up a fork in the group’s story. Moldova and Austria meet with genuine second-place stakes, while Uruguay — still winless on 1 point — get the toughest assignment possible against a USA side that’s already operating like a knockout team.
Czech republic have turned Group C into a statement piece: three wins from three, 9 goals scored, and the only side with a flawless record. The 3:1 win away to Netherlands in Round 4 was their loudest message yet — clinical finishing, control at key moments, and another big performance from Roman Ruzicka, again named man of the match.
But Round 4 also delivered the group’s defining twist: Ruzicka’s “bad injury” that’s expected to rule him out until the end of the season. For a team built on rhythm and authority, losing their captain and top-rated figure changes everything — especially with Estonia arriving on 5 points and fresh momentum after a sharp 2:0 win over Hungary, powered by Pasi Naar.
Behind the leaders, the Dutch sit second on 7 points despite that setback, while Spain are stuck on 1 point after drawing Estonia and shipping goals heavily earlier. Round 5 is pressure on both ends: Czechia must prove they’re more than one superstar, and Hungary–Spain feels like a last chance to rescue a campaign that’s slipping fast.
Croatia have taken control of Group D with the only spotless record: 3 wins from 3, 9 points, and a steady habit of striking early and managing chaos. Their 4:3 thriller over Chile in Round 3 was the turning point, driven by a sensational hat-trick from Alberto Dracar (man of the match, 10.0). Even in the more measured 3:0 against Russia, Croatia looked ruthless — three goals from nine shots on target, no drama required.
Yet the group’s loudest form line belongs to Chile. After that one-goal loss to Croatia, they responded by detonating Slovakia 10:0, with Valerio Gomez producing an outrageous five-goal burst (5’, 12’, 18’, 19’, 63’) and taking man of the match with a perfect 10.0. Chile sit second on 6 points, but with 15 goals scored — by far the most in the section.
Behind them, Peru have quietly recovered from an opening-day defeat to Croatia to reach 6 points, edging Slovakia and Russia in back-to-back one-goal wins. Russia (3 points) now face the ultimate stress test: can they survive Chile’s wave, or will the race for top spot turn into a two-horse sprint before February even begins?
Poland stalking, Germany steady — and England’s response needed
Germany have set the early pace with 9 points from 4, built on clean, controlled wins and a goalkeeper who keeps stealing headlines. Dirk Meyer was man of the match in the opening 3:0 over England, and Germany have followed it with efficient shutouts against Algeria (2:0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2:0). Florian Reichel’s two-goal display in Algiers underlined the pattern: Germany don’t need fireworks — they just keep stacking results.
The pressure, though, is coming from Poland. Unbeaten on 7 points, they delivered the group’s statement scoreline by thumping Germany 4:1 in Round 2, then backed it up with a hard-earned 1:1 in England and a 2:0 over Algeria. Their captain Janusz Dyner has been a constant presence (including a 9.8 against Algeria), while Aleksander Ogonowski turned Round 4 with a ruthless brace (10’, 29’).
England sit on 4 points and feel like the wild card: they were smashed in Germany, then exploded for 7:0 against Bosnia with Zacharias Spears scoring six and earning a perfect 10.0. Now Round 5 brings a fork in the road: Algeria (3 points) have already beaten Bosnia 3:0 but have since been blanked twice — if England start fast, the race behind the top two could flip in a single night.
Positions: 1st - Malta (6 points), 2nd - France (6 points), 3rd - Iceland (4 points), 4th - Sweden (4 points), 5th - Scotland (3 points)
Malta on top, Iceland surging — France wobbling under the swings
This group has turned into a week-to-week mood swing, and Malta are the ones smiling most. Despite being thumped 3:1 by Sweden in Round 3, they’ve still taken 6 points from 3, sparked by a gritty comeback win over France and a clean 2:0 over Scotland. Captain Michael Dowse has been the story: a brace to topple France, then another influential display as Malta punished Scotland with a deflection and a quick follow-up to restore control at the top.
France, also on 6 points (but from 4 matches), look far less settled. They opened with a narrow win over Sweden and recovered in Scotland thanks to Alexis Grall’stwo goals, yet Round 4’s 4:1 loss at home to Iceland was a jolt — especially after scoring inside three minutes. The back line that kept things tidy early suddenly couldn’t live with direct running and finishing.
That Icelandic surge has dragged them into contention on 4 points, level with Sweden, who have mixed a solid draw with Iceland and the big Malta win but couldn’t find a way past France on opening day. Round 5 now feels pivotal: Malta’s pragmatism meets Iceland’s momentum, while Scotland–Sweden is a chance for one side to grab daylight in a tightly packed chase.
Portugal and Latvia set the pace, Switzerland lurking after a wild Dublin shootout
The top of Group G has a proper edge to it: Portugal and Latvia are level on 7 points, and neither has tasted defeat yet. Portugal’s tone was set early in Ireland with a controlled 3:0 win, before Sergio Pacos doubled down with a ruthless two-goal burst to sink Switzerland 2:0. Even when the first real test arrived, they didn’t blink — a 1:1 draw with Latvia where Pacos again delivered from the spot and Eusebio Viana kept the back line organized.
Latvia have been just as convincing, but in a different style: high-tempo, high-shot-volume, and increasingly decisive in key moments. They brushed Ireland aside 3:0 with Kajs Lerga striking twice, then edged Mexico 2:1 behind Edzus Januss’ early brace. The draw in Portugal proved they can travel and compete in tight games, too — E. Bernics scoring inside ten minutes, and Ints Demagogs standing tall under pressure.
Just behind them, Switzerland look like the group’s chaos factor. They opened with a clean 3:0 over Mexico, then stumbled in Portugal, but roared back in Round 4 with a dramatic 4:3 away win over Ireland — sealed late by Damien Antonietti after Aaron Daly’s stunning hat-trick nearly flipped the match on its head. With Switzerland facing Latvia next, and Portugal meeting Mexico, Round 5 could reshape the whole table in one night.
Italy’s perfect start meets Romania’s ruthless efficiency — and Norway are still in the hunt
Italy have been the group’s cleanest story so far: three wins from three, and a growing sense that they can win in any type of game. They opened with a composed 2:0 in South Korea despite seeing less of the ball, then delivered the statement on 08.01.2026 by edging Romania 1:0 with Valentino Maddalena striking early. If there was any doubt about their attacking ceiling, Round 4 erased it — Maddalena exploded for a hat-trick in a 4:2 win over Colombia, dragging Italy through a match that had danger written all over it.
Romania are level on points, and they’ve earned it the hard way: intense, direct, and brutally clinical. They toppled Norway 1:0 behind Ferdinand Tecuta, then controlled Colombia with a 2:0 away win before dismantling South Korea 3:0 — Paul Vulpe scoring twice inside 30 minutes. Even in defeat to Italy, Romania had volume and territory; they just couldn’t land the finishing blow.
That leaves Norway as the dangerous third force on 6 points. They’ve responded well since the narrow loss to Romania, beating South Korea 2:0 and Colombia 3:1 with goals spread across the side and Glenn Haugen repeatedly bailing them out with top-level keeping. With Italy vs Norway up next, the group’s next chapter is simple: Italy can create daylight, or Norway can turn this into a genuine three-way race.
Brazil set the pace early — now Denmark’s draw habit gets its biggest test
Brazil have started exactly like a side that expects to win the group: two matches, two wins, and seven goals already. The opener against Bangladesh was decided in a blur — Walison Teixeira scored a ruthless 11-minute hat-trick (11’, 15’, 18’) in a 4:0 win, before Elias Menino capped it late. Round 2 was far more revealing: Albania pushed them into a real contest, but Brazil still found the answers — Teixeira again scored twice, and Duba Niteroi added the third in a 3:2 win that proved they can survive when the game turns messy.
Denmark sit second with two draws, and the pattern is clear: solid structure, but waiting too long to land a punch. They needed a late 80’ equaliser from Rudolf Petersen to rescue a 1:1 against Bangladesh, after being held in Albania until 81’ as well. The good news is that Svend Abel has been a consistent standout; the risk is that Brazil rarely gives you a second chance once they’re ahead.
Behind them, Albania look capable of upsetting the middle order — Gjelberim Skrapari scoring twice against Brazil showed real belief — while Bangladesh will take confidence from earning a point and keeping matches competitive in spells. Still, with Denmark vs Brazil next, the group is at a turning point: Denmark can either turn draws into a title race, or Brazil can break it open before February even arrives.
Positions: 1st - Serbia (6 points), 2nd - Belgium (6 points), 3rd - Canada (6 points), 4th - Israel (3 points), 5th - Japan (3 points)
Serbia hit back hard — but the three-way logjam is only getting tighter
Four rounds in, Group J has the feel of a sprint turning into a grind. Serbia, Belgium and Canada are locked on six points, and the margins have already swung wildly from one matchday to the next.
Serbia remain the headline act for momentum. After being stunned late by Israel, they responded with authority — a 3:1 win over Belgium built on an early blitz and a ruthless Zlatoje Desnica double (14’, 32’), before Vasilj Vukas piled on the pressure. That recovery matters, because Serbia’s best looks close to unstoppable: in Round 2, Nebojsa Rapo shredded Japan with four goals in a 4:0 rout.
Belgium have been just as capable of putting teams away — their late double sunk Canada in Round 1, and they jumped on Japan with three first-half goals in Round 3 — but the Serbia defeat exposed how thin the line is when they’re forced to chase.
Canada, meanwhile, are quietly building a reputation for turning games on a single swing. They edged Israel 1:0 through Gunnar Holliday, then came from behind in Japan to win 2:1 — Weston Damours and Caleb McLoud flipping the match in five minutes.
Now the stakes rise again: Belgium vs Israel and Canada vs Serbia could reshape everything. One slip, and first place suddenly looks a lot less secure.
Thailand have turned Group K into their personal runway: three wins from three, 13 goals scored, and only one conceded. The statement wasn’t just the scorelines — it was the control. Even in Turkey, the leaders played like they owned the tempo, peppering the target until Chalermpol Kulchatchai finally decided it with a second-half strike.
And Kulchatchai is becoming the group’s defining figure. He scored twice to beat India in Round 1, then produced a flat-out demolition job against Greece — a breathtaking spree inside 50 minutes that set the tone for a 10:0 rout. Thailand look ruthless, and they look comfortable being ruthless.
Behind them, Turkey have points on the board but far less certainty. The 7:0 opener over Greece was wild — a red card after two minutes, then chaos, then Sitki Tasca running riot — but discipline and consistency haven’t followed. A narrow win over Bulgaria and a 1:1 draw in India kept them moving, yet the 0:1 loss to Thailand exposed how little margin they have when the finishing dries up.
Bulgaria) sit in the shadows on six points, boosted by a confident 5:0 win in Greece and a tidy 2:0 over India. Now comes the pressure test: if they can slow Thailand’s attack, the title conversation changes instantly.
Slovenia and Bolivia stay perfect — but the table is about to blink
Group L has quickly split into two stories: a perfect-duo sprint at the top, and a frantic fight underneath to avoid being left behind. Slovenia and Bolivia have both opened with three wins from three, and the numbers are loud — Slovenia 10:2 on goal difference, Bolivia 9:3. Now the inevitable collision arrives, and it feels like the first real checkpoint of the group.
Slovenia’s style has been consistent: give up the ball if needed, then punish mistakes with ruthless efficiency. They scored four from ten shots on target against Venezuela, nicked a tight 1:0 away to Montenegro, and then turned New Zealand’s heavy possession into a 5-goal lesson — Klavdij Mlakar stealing the headlines with a hat-trick inside 41 minutes.
Bolivia have been just as relentless in results, but more methodical in rhythm. They controlled New Zealand with volume and territory, then survived a scare in Montenegro thanks to Leopoldo Pinto (two goals and a match-winning presence), before rolling past Venezuela with four different scorers on the sheet. Agripino Zoreno keeps popping up in the decisive moments, even when he isn’t the finisher.
Below them, New Zealand have goals but no stability — a wild 4:3 win over Venezuela proved they can punch, while the 2:5 loss to Slovenia showed how quickly they can be opened up. Montenegro have competed hard, yet two one-goal defeats have boxed them in early. And Venezuela, despite scoring in two straight games, are still searching for their first points — the margins have been brutal.
Peru Set the Pace as Bulgaria’s Shock Win Reopens Group A
Two games in, Peru have turned Group A into a chase. The table leaders are perfect on points and ruthless in front of goal (11 scored), thumping Bulgaria 8–0 before edging Spain 3–2 in a far tighter test. With Saturnin Renteria and Agostin Vargas deciding key moments, Peru suddenly look far more clinical than a side whose recent cycles peaked around the Last 16 (WC 25).
Behind them, the whole group shifted when Bulgaria rebounded from that heavy opening to beat Mexico1–0. It was a statement of resilience — and a reminder that Mexico, after starting with a win over Spain, are still searching for control in matches where they’re expected to dictate.
That leaves Spain bottom despite scoring in both outings, close but empty-handed. Round 3 now feels decisive: Peru can all but lock the group with another win, while Spain and Bulgaria are staring at a swing match that could decide who stays alive for second.
Group B has a clear leader and a messy chase. Latvia have made it three wins from three, backing up their reputation as recent finalists with a run built on composure and timing. They opened by beating South Korea3–1, then edged Slovakia2–1, and finally hit Poland where it hurt in a 2–1 away win despite seeing just 32% of the ball. Goals have come from multiple sources — Kaspars Bigelis keeps appearing at key moments — and the back line has done enough to keep Latvia perfect.
Behind them, nobody can settle. Poland sit on four points after four games and look dangerous in flashes, but the loss to South Korea and that late concession against Latvia underline the margins. South Korea are level with Poland and hard to break down, while Slovakia and Algeria remain within one result of the pack.
Round 5 is a pressure point: Latvia can all but seal top spot, while the Korea–Slovakia meeting has “must-win” energy for both chasers.
Lithuania Set the Pace as Group C Turns Into a Survival Fight
Four games, four wins, and barely a scratch: Lithuania have turned Group C into their personal runway. They opened with a brutal 5–0 demolition of Argentina, then proved it wasn’t just a hot night by edging the USA1–0 despite having only 35% possession, before piling on with a 4–1 win in India and a composed 3–0 against Belgium. The numbers are loud (13 scored, 1 conceded), and the patterns are consistent: early strikes, ruthless finishing, and enough control to smother the response. Even a red card for Eduardas Pacevicius in the opener didn’t slow the machine.
The drama is behind them. USA sit second on six points after beating Argentina 4–0 and India 2–0, with Christian Wedding grabbing a brace last time out. Argentina are wobbling after conceding 11 in three matches, while Belgium — former finalists long ago, but a heavyweight on paper — still haven’t won, shipping 8 already.
Round 5 is about damage control: the USA can tighten their grip on second, and India–Argentina feels like a last call to keep the campaign alive.
Perfect Germany, but the Chase Tightens Behind Them
Four played, four won: Germany have given Group D a clear leader, even if the route has been anything but calm. They started with a clinical 3–0 over Sweden despite just 33% possession, then travelled to China and struck with ruthless efficiency again in a 3–1 win. The tone never changed against Hungary either — Sascha Heichele hit a hat-trick in a 3–1 victory — and last round delivered the statement and the warning: a wild 4–3 shootout win over New Zealand where Cajus Kersten scored twice and Germany still finished with 39% of the ball. They’re winning games on finishing and nerve, not control.
Now the spotlight swings to second place, because New Zealand and China are locked on six points and meet head-to-head in Round 5. New Zealand have already beaten Hungary 4–1 and Sweden 1–0, while China have recovered from the Germany loss by beating Sweden 2–0 and Hungary 2–1, with Shu Yen Hsiao twice taking man-of-the-match honours. At the bottom, Hungary and Sweden are both still on zero, making their Round 5 clash a straight fight to get off the floor.
Positions: 1st - Romania (9 points), 2nd - Colombia (7 points), 3rd - Australia (3 points), 4th - Malta (3 points), 5th - Chile (1 point)
Romania Set the Pace, but Group E Still Has a Sting in the Tail
Through three games, Romania look every inch the front-runners: nine points, a 10–2 goal record, and a habit of landing the decisive blows. They opened by edging Colombia1–0 away, then turned on the style with a 5–2 win over Chile before sweeping Malta aside 4–0. At the heart of it all is Gino Panc, already the match-winner in Colombia and then the standout again with two against Chile and a hat-trick versus Malta.
Behind them, Colombia sit second on seven, sturdy in defence and dangerous when their front three click — the 4–1 away win over Australia showed their ceiling — but the scoreless draw with Chile last round also hinted at a gear that can stall.
Round 5 brings a fascinating split: Australia have the group’s loudest attack on paper (that 10–0 demolition of Chile still echoes) yet arrive bruised by a 4–0 loss to Malta. Their test is the toughest one. Meanwhile Malta, revived by that four-goal response, face a Chile side that finally earned a point at Colombia — and now need it to mean something.
Portugal and Venezuela Lead on Clean Sheets as the Chase Match Lights Up
Group F has split into two clear stories: Portugal and Venezuela are level on seven points and, remarkably, neither has conceded a goal. Their opening 0–0 set the tone — controlled, cautious, and tight — and both have built from there: Portugal followed with a 2–0 win in Israel and another 2–0 at Japan, while Venezuela have quietly stacked 1–0 victories over Japan and Croatia.
If the leaders have been defined by control, Israel have been defined by moments. They recovered from losing to Portugal by beating Croatia 2–1, driven again by Darren Maltz, who struck twice and turned a possession deficit into points. Croatia’s record (one win, two losses) says mid-table, but their goals (five scored, five conceded) hint at volatility — the kind that can swing a group.
Round 5 sharpens everything. Portugal meet Croatia with a perfect defensive record on the line, while Venezuela vs. Israel pairs the group’s stingiest back line against its most opportunistic finisher. For Japan, still on zero points after four defeats, the margins have been brutal — and the clock is already loud.
A Perfect Storm at the Top as Slovenia and Serbia Put Perfection on the Line
Group G has turned into a two-team exhibition of power. Serbia and Slovenia are dead level on nine points, with an almost comical symmetry: both have scored 27 and conceded just one in three matches. Serbia’s tone was set immediately with a brutal 19–0 demolition of Denmark, while Slovenia answered with an even more staggering statement, 18–0 away to England. Since then, neither has slowed — Slovenia added 5–1 over Denmark and 4–0 at Iceland, Serbia followed their opener with 6–0 against England and a more “normal” but still decisive 2–1 over Iceland.
Behind them, the rest are playing in the shadow of those scorelines. England have at least shown signs of stabilization after changing their U17 manager, beating Denmark 4–0 in the new boss’s first match, but the goal difference hole is severe. Denmark’s lone win came in Iceland, while Iceland remain winless and leaking too many early blows.
Round 5 is the headline: Slovenia vs. Serbia is a straight shootout between the group’s two flawless machines. On the same day, England face Iceland knowing that anything less than a clean, convincing win risks leaving them with nothing but regret — and arithmetic.
A Title Fight Arrives Early as Italy and Austria Bring Perfect Records to the Same Pitch
Group H has been clean and ruthless at the top. Italy and Austria are both flawless after three games, locked together on nine points and separated only by the details: Italy’s attack has been louder (9 scored), Austria’s back line even tighter (just 1 conceded). Italy opened by sweeping aside Greece 3–0, then handled Canada 2–0 before surviving a chaotic afternoon against Bangladesh, turning a 2–4 win into proof they can win ugly as well as stylish. Austria have been the definition of control: they edged Canada 2–1, squeezed Greece 1–0, then brushed Bangladesh aside 4–0, with Dominik Waltle delivering a statement hat-trick.
Behind the front two, Canada are still very much alive on six points despite four matches played, built on narrow margins: a late setback against Austria, a single-goal win over Bangladesh, and another tight 1–0 against Greece. For Greece and Bangladesh, the table is harsh reading — both are still on zero — but Round 5 offers a lifeline in their direct meeting, while the headline is unavoidable: Italy vs Austria, perfect vs perfect, with first place and momentum on the line.
Turkey Keep Rolling, but the Pack Behind Them Tightens
Group I is starting to take shape, and it’s Turkey who have drawn the clearest outline. Three matches, three wins, and a growing sense that their structure can survive any kind of game: a slick 4–1 statement against South Africa, a gritty 3–2 escape in Czechia, then the professional 1–0 job against Uruguay. The headline name so far is Yakup Ceben — a hat-trick in that Prague thriller and the only goal in Round 4 — while Necati Gurgener has quietly added bite from midfield.
Behind them, the race is messy in the best way. South Africa have played one more match than most, but their draw-heavy record keeps them in the mix on five points; the problem is turning decent spells into wins, especially after being outgunned by Turkey. Montenegro and the Czech republic sit level on four and both look like sides who can swing the group with one clean performance — Czechia already proved they can win tight games, while Montenegro have mixed discipline with edge, including that late equaliser in Round 4.
Round 5 sharpens the stakes: Uruguay are out of time and need a first spark, while Montenegro vs Turkey is the biggest test yet for the leaders — a chance to turn control into separation, or for the chasers to drag this group back into a real fight.
Moldova’s Perfect Start Forces Everyone Else Into Chase Mode
Group J has a clear leader and an even clearer theme: goals are precious, and Moldova are the one side collecting them without giving anything back. Three matches, three wins, four scored, zero conceded — not flashy, just relentlessly efficient. They edged Bosnia and Herzegovina through Borea Nirimbetov’s second-half strike, then blew past Russia with a ruthless early double from Eric Petrov and Pasa Lamblov, before leaning on Mircea Chirila again as Dan Ganju settled a tight contest with Scotland. It’s a formula that travels.
The pressure now lands on the chasing trio. Bosnia and Herzegovina have recovered well from that Moldova loss — seven points and only one goal conceded — with Robert Stepinac still the defining moment-maker after deciding both Russia and Ireland. Ireland, meanwhile, are living on fine margins: two wins by a single goal either side of that Stepinac punch in Round 4, with Steven MacMurrough carrying the scoring load.
Round 5 is a pivot. Ireland vs Moldova feels like the group’s first true referendum on the leaders’ control, while Scotland face Russia knowing a win is the only way to stop this from becoming a three-team race before February.
France Still Unbeaten, But Estonia’s Late Punch Opens Group K Nicely
Group K has started to feel like two different stories: France setting the standard, and everyone else scrambling to land a clean hit. The leaders have looked composed since opening with a comfortable win over Thailand, then backing it up by shutting out Switzerland with second-half strikes from Gurvan Bob and Thomas Beal. But the first real wobble arrived in Round 4, when Estonia refused to fold after conceding in the third minute and rescued a point late through Ove Vassermann. It kept France unbeaten — yet it also kept the group alive.
That matters because Albania are quietly building momentum after an early setback. They’ve responded with back-to-back wins, including a ruthless, low-volume finish against Estonia where Leonard Dosti struck twice. Albania’s numbers are wild — six scored, six conceded — but their ability to turn chances into points has them right on France’s shoulder.
Behind them, Switzerland have drifted into “almost” territory: a win over Albania, then consecutive draws, capped by conceding late to Thailand despite dominating the shot count. Thailand finally have a reward for their fight, while Estonia have turned stubborn defending into leverage.
Round 5 feels like the hinge. France vs Albania is the kind of game that can either confirm a favorite or invite a genuine title chase, while Thailand vs Estonia suddenly looks like a direct battle for relevance rather than survival.
Brazil Hit Top Gear, Netherlands Stay Clinical as Group L Turns Into a Three-Team Chase
Group L has found its shape: Brazil and the Netherlands setting the pace with identical records, and Norway refusing to disappear in the slipstream. Brazil’s opening 0–0 with the Dutch now feels like a warning shot rather than a stalemate — since then, they’ve piled on goals with a ruthless edge, smashing Finland 6–2 and following it up by dismantling Bolivia 3–0 even after the hosts tried to turn it into a scrap. Tamboril das Rocas has been the headline act, twice on the scoresheet in Round 4, while Prieto Kologeski continues to look like the group’s tempo-setter from midfield.
The Netherlands have taken a different route to the same destination: compact, controlled, and brutally efficient when the window opens. After shutting Norway out 3–0, they went to Finland and struck early through Mathijs Kivit before Arnoldus Meenderman doubled the lead — another display of game management built around an outstanding Kees Janse, who keeps stacking man-of-the-match level performances.
Norway, though, are very much alive. They’ve already beaten Finland and Bolivia, and their loss to the Dutch is the only dent on an otherwise solid record. That sets up a Round 5 pivot: Brazil vs Norway looks like the kind of fixture that can break a challenger’s belief or ignite a title run, while Netherlands vs Bolivia gives the Dutch a chance to keep pace and squeeze the pressure onto whoever blinks first.
