World Cup 32 Qualifying Nears the Finish: More Tickets Claimed, More Races Tighten
The 32nd World Cup qualification cycle has entered its ninth round for most groups, and the table is now speaking with much less patience. Several nations have already done enough to book their places, but the second-ticket races behind them remain full of pressure, traps and late mathematical openings. Albania, Bulgaria, Brazil, Croatia, South Korea, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Moldova and Poland are already safe in the top two, but many of them still have a role to play in deciding who follows. With two rounds left in most groups — and only one match left in Group E — the next fixtures could settle more tickets or drag the final day into chaos.
Albania are already World Cup-bound, and they protected their unbeaten run with a 2:2 draw in Sweden. Tatul Kabashi and Sardian Prenku answered Swedish goals from Andreas Sjodin and Emil Soderholm, while Dimat Carcani again stood out in goal. Behind them, Denmark recovered from their defeat to Sweden by beating Russia 3:0, with Villy Thunbo scoring twice.
The second ticket is now the real fight. Denmark hold it on 11 points, Sweden chase on nine with two matches left, and Germany still have a thin route if they win out. That makes Germany vs Denmark the pressure match of the round, while Sweden must beat Russia to keep the race in their own hands.
Bulgaria continue to look like the class of the group. Already qualified, they still beat Uruguay 3:1, with Ivaylo Stoitchkov opening the scoring before Christo Tomov struck twice more. The result badly hurt Uruguay’s hopes, while Bosnia and Herzegovina moved back into second by beating Algeria 2:0 through two Trpimir Veslica goals.
The race behind Bulgaria is still alive because Algeria have two matches left and Uruguay still meet them on the final day. Bosnia now travel to Ireland knowing that a win would keep them in front, while Algeria must try to take something from Bulgaria to avoid entering the final round under heavy pressure.
Positions: 1st - Brazil (14 points), 2nd - Romania (10 points), 3rd - Norway (10 points), 4th - Israel (5 points), 5th - Argentina (4 points)
Brazil Qualify, Romania Land a Major Blow
Brazil booked their World Cup place with a 2:0 win over Israel, decided early by Bordaberry Amaral and Wanderson Aviz. The bigger shift came in the other match, where Romania beat Norway 3:0. Jean Mindeac scored twice and Dani Oancea added the third, turning what had been a level race for second into a Romanian advantage.
Norway still have two matches left, but they now need a response immediately against Brazil. Romania visit Argentina with a chance to tighten their grip on second, while Argentina’s own hopes depend on a perfect finish and help elsewhere. Israel can no longer reach the top two.
Croatia were already through, but their unbeaten run ended with a 2:0 defeat in Chile. Tristan Diaz De Loria and Alex Arana Quintanilla gave Chile a huge result in the fight for the second ticket. The round’s most extreme score came elsewhere, as Thailand demolished Estonia 13:0. As always with such a result, the responsibility falls on the national team manager, while Thailand suddenly gave themselves a mathematical lifeline.
That sets up a direct match with enormous consequences: Thailand vs Chile. Chile can secure qualification with a positive result, but Thailand can keep the group alive by winning. Estonia and Greece are already out, though their meeting still matters for pride and final position.
South Korea already secured their World Cup place in the previous round, and Group E now waits for its final fixtures on 16.07. Their 3:2 win over Netherlands left them top on ten points, while Serbia’s 2:0 victory over Peru kept the second ticket open.
Netherlands still hold second place, but they are not safe. They visit Peru, while South Korea face Serbia. Netherlands can finish the job with a win, but Serbia and Peru both still have routes into the top two if the final day breaks their way.
Belgium are already through, but they still delivered the round’s key result in Group F by beating Turkey 1:0. Jelle Rombaut scored the only goal, and Bellamy Poncelet continued Belgium’s outstanding defensive campaign. Bolivia stayed alive by beating India 3:1, with Natan Heredia scoring twice late.
Turkey remain second, but Bolivia are now close enough to keep the pressure on. Turkey travel to India knowing that a win could settle the chase, while New Zealand vs Bolivia is a survival match for the hosts and a must-win opportunity for Bolivia. India are out of the qualification race.
Slovenia stayed top but missed the chance to create real separation, drawing 1:1 with Montenegro. Ales Janezic put Slovenia ahead before Budimir Iritano equalized. England took advantage by beating France 2:1, with Jarvis Harman and Mattie Wragge turning another tense match in their favour.
France are now out, but the other four teams are still involved. Slovenia can take a huge step, and possibly settle their place, away to South Africa, while Montenegro host France needing three points to keep pressure on England before the final round. This remains one of the most dangerous groups at the top.
Positions: 1st - Spain (14 points), 2nd - Malta (9 points), 3rd - Portugal (7 points), 4th - Austria (6 points), 5th - Latvia (5 points)
Spain Qualify, Malta Hold the Line
Spain secured their World Cup ticket with another controlled 1:0 win, this time away to Austria through Cleto Alias. Malta stayed second after a 0:0 draw with Latvia, but that dropped points left Portugal within reach. Latvia and Austria remain stubborn opponents, but their own routes to the top two have closed.
The next round brings a major test for Malta: Spain vs Malta. Spain are already safe, but Malta still need points to protect second. Portugal host Austria knowing that victory would put real pressure on Malta before their direct meeting in the final round.
Finland became mathematically safe in the top two after a 0:0 draw with Slovakia. It was not a spectacular step over the line, but it was enough, and Filip Haas made sure Slovakia took something from the match. Iceland kept their hopes alive by beating Australia 2:0 through Olafur Oern Egilsson and Gunnar Mar Elfarsson.
Bangladesh still hold second place and can make things simple with a win over Finland. Behind them, Slovakia vs Iceland is a direct survival match: Iceland need to keep chasing, while Slovakia must win to stay in the conversation. Australia are still mathematically around the edge, but their road is now very narrow.
Moldova are already qualified, but their first defeat changed the mood behind them. China came from behind to win 2:1, with Zong Ming Kung and Jian Dongzhen scoring in quick succession after Lilian Lisii had put Moldova ahead. Czechia also beat Canada 2:1, but both of those sides are already out of the World Cup race.
The second ticket now comes down to Colombia and China. China vs Czechia is a must-win for the challengers, while Colombia vs Moldova is the headline match: Colombia can protect their advantage, but Moldova still have first place to defend and can directly shape the final round.
Poland are already through and still unbeaten, adding a 3:1 win over Venezuela to their dominant campaign. Tadeusz Rempala, Tadeusz Czaja and Marcin Sulikowski scored for the leaders. Italy stayed alive by beating USA 2:1, with Stefano Picariello and Jonatan Bezzi doing the damage.
Switzerland remain in control of second place, but they still have work to do. A win over Poland would finish the job, while Italy must beat Venezuela to make the final-round meeting with Switzerland matter. USA and Venezuela are out, but their remaining matches can still affect the shape of the table.
Japan produced a huge 3:1 win over Scotland, with Nobuyoshi Kamon scoring twice and Takumi Kumagae adding the other. Scotland remain top, but the gap has vanished. Lithuania and Hungary drew 2:2 after two own goals helped Hungary back into a match Lithuania had led by two.
This is now the wildest group left. Scotland vs Lithuania is a direct top-two battle, while Mexico vs Japan gives Japan a chance to keep their revival moving and Mexico a final chance to force themselves into the story. No team is qualified, no team is fully out, and every result can still move the table.
The 32nd U21 World Cup qualification campaign is no longer a race built on early promise. It is now a race shaped by pressure, mathematics and the ability to survive the final turns. Some teams have already done enough to book their place among the top two, while others are one poor result away from losing control of their future.
With only two World Cup tickets available in each group, the next round carries a very different weight. Leaders are trying to turn advantage into certainty, challengers are chasing one last opening, and several well-known names are discovering that past reputation offers no protection when the table begins to close.
Here is how the qualification picture looks as the campaign moves toward its final rounds.
Bolivia have already secured a place in the top two after another victory, this time a 2:1 win over Italy powered once again by Pascual Yarzan. With nineteen points from seven matches, the former world champions are safely through and now have first place firmly in sight.
The remaining question is whether Slovakia can finish the job before the final round. Their 1:1 draw with France kept them four points ahead of the French, though France still have one extra match to play. Slovakia visit Venezuela, while France host already-eliminated Italy. Italy and Venezuela can no longer reach the top two, and Italy's campaign remains especially disappointing after earlier managerial issues, including the match where they failed to field all eleven players.
Estonia have completed their rise to the top and are already mathematically safe before the final matchday of the smaller group. Their 3:1 victory away to Bosnia and Herzegovina gave them ten points and put them in control of first place.
Lithuania still sit second, but their 2:2 draw with Thailand left the door open. Lithuania will face eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final round, while Thailand must beat Estonia and hope Lithuania fail to win. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, a former four-time champion at this level, the campaign has already become a painful failure.
Slovenia and Hungary are already through, leaving Group C with only the question of who finishes first. Slovenia recovered from their first defeat of the campaign by beating Austria 4:1, with Klavdij Mlakar scoring four times.
Hungary are three points behind but have a match in hand, and their meeting with China now carries top-spot significance. China, Austria and Uruguay are all out of the qualification race, though Uruguay and Austria still meet in a match that will decide little beyond pride. For Austria, heavy defeats to Slovenia and Hungary have left the manager under clear scrutiny.
Spain and Scotland remain in the top two after their 2:2 draw, but neither is safe yet. Spain lead with fourteen points, Scotland sit one point behind with a game in hand, and South Africa are still alive on ten.
That makes South Africa's home match against Scotland the decisive fixture of the round. A Scottish win would put them on the brink of qualification, while a South African victory would pull the whole group back into tension before the final day. India and Canada meet in the other match with both already out. Canada have conceded twenty-five goals, and the damage from their earlier 9:0 collapse against Spain still hangs over the manager's campaign.
Group E remains one of the most dangerous races in the competition. Denmark and Turkey are level on thirteen points, Mexico are only one point behind, and Germany have fought back to stay alive after beating Greece 5:1.
The round brings two matches with major consequences. Denmark host Germany, while Mexico host Turkey. If Germany fail to win, their chances may disappear before the final round. Greece are already eliminated after seven defeats and twenty-six goals conceded, a campaign that leaves no room for excuses from the national team manager.
Iceland remain first after seven rounds, but Group F is still open. Sweden and Israel are level on nine points behind them, Chile have revived themselves by beating Sweden, and Ireland are still close enough to threaten the top two.
The next round is huge. Iceland host Israel, while Ireland host Sweden. A win for Iceland would give them a major step toward qualification, but a defeat would drag the group back into chaos. Sweden remain well placed despite their first loss, while Ireland know a home victory could completely change their campaign.
Algeria responded to recent defensive chaos with a vital 3:1 win over Belgium, moving to twelve points. Serbia also made a statement, beating New Zealand 5:2 as Ranko Sibinovic scored four times.
The next round could decide whether the leading pair finally separate from the field. Belgium host Serbia and must win to protect their qualification hopes, while Algeria visit Albania with a chance to move closer to safety. New Zealand are now mathematically out, while Albania are hanging on by a thin thread and need victory to stay alive.
Brazil have already qualified and remain comfortably top, even after their perfect record ended in a 1:1 draw with Peru. The defending champions are still unbeaten, still nine points clear of third place, and still the standard every other team in the group is chasing.
The real fight is for second. Russia hold it with ten points, Australia have slipped to nine after a damaging 2:0 defeat to Montenegro, and Rep. of Montenegro are now back in the race on six. Russia face Brazil next, while Peru host Montenegro. Peru are already out, but Montenegro must win to keep serious pressure on Australia and Russia.
Malta have taken over Group I after a stunning 3:0 win against Argentina. With thirteen points from six matches, Malta now lead the section and have pushed Argentina into a much more uncomfortable position.
The pressure now falls on Croatia, who host Malta in one of the most important matches of the round. A Croatian win would pull them directly into the top-two fight, while Malta can take a huge step toward qualification if they avoid defeat. Switzerland remain alive after drawing with Croatia and now visit eliminated Bangladesh. Argentina, suddenly second but no longer secure, must watch and wait.
Poland and Netherlands are beginning to pull away. Poland beat England 2:0, while the Netherlands edged Norway 1:0, leaving the two leaders separated by just one point.
Neither team is mathematically through yet, but both can move very close in the next round. Poland visit Norway, while the Netherlands travel to Latvia. England, third at the last U21 World Cup, can no longer reach the top two after another defeat. Norway and Latvia are still alive only because the numbers allow it, but both need victories immediately.
Czech Republic Lead, Portugal Still Have Control in Their Hands
Czech republic moved top of Group K with a 2:0 win over Colombia, while Portugal and the United States of America cancelled each other out in a goalless draw. The result keeps the group tight: Czech republic lead on thirteen points, with USA and Portugal both on eleven.
Portugal have a game in hand, which makes their trip to Colombia especially important. A win would put them right back into the top two. Czech republic visit eliminated Bulgaria, while USA sit out and wait. Colombia can still reach the top two, but only if they beat Portugal and then finish the job in the final round.
Moldova have secured qualification after a powerful 5:2 win over Romania. Their campaign has been built on goals, resilience and the huge advantage created by that earlier 12:1 demolition of Finland.
Second place is still alive, and Finland have taken control of it after crushing Japan 7:1. That result was a major response from the Finnish side, but it was also an extreme collapse from Japan, and responsibility has to fall on the national team manager. Finland now visit Romania, while South Korea host Moldova. Romania and South Korea are still alive, but both need results quickly. Japan are out.
The campaign has reached the stage where almost every group has split into three categories: teams already safe, teams already gone, and teams with one last chance to change the story. Round nine may not finish every race, but it will decide who reaches the final day with belief and who reaches it with regret.
World Cup Qualifiers (U19)
Penultimate Pressure as More Tickets Move Within Reach
The 32nd U19 World Cup qualification campaign has reached its penultimate full round, and the field is finally beginning to narrow. Round 9 arrives with several nations already through, several more standing one result away, and a growing list of teams whose World Cup hopes have ended.
Slovenia, Scotland, Croatia, USA and Brazil have already secured top-two finishes, while Group G waits for its final smaller-group round on 16.07. after completing five matches so far. Elsewhere, the pressure is severe: defending champions Poland are fighting for survival, Group H remains chaotic, and several former contenders now need help as much as victories.
With only the top two teams in each group advancing to the U19 World Cup, Round 9 is where strong positions can become qualification, slim hopes can disappear, and the final-day drama can either be reduced or made even sharper.
Bosnia Move Close, Australia Suddenly Look Over Their Shoulder
Bosnia and Herzegovina took a major step toward qualification with a 3-0 win away to Sweden. After losing their previous direct meeting with Australia, Bosnia responded in the best possible way and now lead the group on fourteen points.
The more dramatic result came in Australia's 3-2 defeat to Finland. That opened the door again for both Finland and Sweden, while Australia remain second but no longer look comfortable.
Round 9 now carries two very different kinds of pressure. Australia travel to the already eliminated Czech republic needing victory to protect their place in the top two, while Finland host Sweden in a match that could decide which outsider still has a realistic path into the final round. Bosnia, meanwhile, can watch closely before finishing their campaign against Finland.
Scotland became mathematically safe despite the turbulence of recent rounds. Their 4-1 victory over Thailand pushed them to fifteen points, enough to secure a top-two finish before the final matchday.
Russia remain in excellent position after beating Scotland in Round 7 and holding Italy in Round 6, but they are not quite over the line yet. A win over Spain in Round 9 would finish the job and likely leave Russia and Scotland to settle only the group order.
Italy's draw with Spain was a major missed opportunity and leaves them needing victory against Thailand to keep pressure on Russia. Spain's late revival has brought a win and a draw, but the earlier catastrophic defeats left too much damage behind. Those extreme results remain on the national team manager's record and are the reason their campaign was already lost.
Slovenia Qualified, Latvia and Algeria Fight for the Other Ticket
Slovenia remain perfect and are already through. Their 3-1 victory away to Latvia made it six wins from six and confirmed their place at the U19 World Cup with two matches still to spare.
Behind them, the battle has become very clear. Algeria sit second on thirteen points after a goalless draw in Greece, while Latvia are just one point behind after falling to Slovenia.
Round 9 gives both challengers matches they will expect to win. Latvia visit eliminated Bangladesh, while Slovenia host Greece. Algeria sit out and will hope Latvia stumble, but the second ticket now looks set to go down to the final round, when Algeria face Slovenia and Latvia's work will already be complete.
Poland Rescue Their Campaign, Netherlands Join the Charge
Group D has become one of the most fascinating sections of qualification. Lithuania still lead on thirteen points, but their 3-1 defeat to Poland has pulled the reigning world champions back into the race.
The Netherlands also made a statement, beating Turkey 4-0 to climb into second place. After a difficult start, the former champions are now only one point behind Lithuania and two ahead of Poland.
Round 9 is enormous. Poland travel to Turkey knowing that victory would keep their title defence alive, while the Netherlands visit India with a chance to move top, at least temporarily. Lithuania sit out and must hope their early work has created enough cushion before their final match against Turkey.
Group E is already decided in terms of qualification. Croatia and USA have both secured top-two finishes, leaving the rest of the group to battle only for pride and final placement.
Round 8 still produced a twist, as Japan stunned Croatia 3-2 and ended their perfect record. USA took advantage by beating Estonia 3-0, moving level with Croatia on fifteen points.
That sets up a perfect Round 9 headline: USA against Croatia. Both are already going to the World Cup, but first place and momentum are still at stake. Albania and Estonia meet in the other match, with both already out of contention but still able to shape the final table.
Group F has reopened at exactly the wrong time for Moldova. Their 3-2 defeat to South Korea was their second straight loss and cut the gap between second and third to only three points.
Romania remain top with fifteen points, but even they are not mathematically safe yet. Moldova sit on thirteen, while South Korea now have ten and two matches left.
Round 9 could define the group. Romania host Moldova in a direct clash at the top, while South Korea face Portugal knowing that only victory will keep real pressure on the leading pair. Portugal and Mexico are already out, but Portugal's recent improvement has already damaged Moldova once and could still influence the race.
Group G does not play this round, but its final matchday on 16.07. is one of the most dramatic situations in the entire qualification cycle.
Norway and Germany lead with ten points each, while Peru sit just behind on nine. Slovakia are already eliminated, but they still have one final role to play against Germany.
Norway face Peru in a direct qualification battle, while Germany meet Slovakia. Germany will feel they have the most favorable fixture, but with only one point separating the top three, the smaller group will not be settled until the final whistle.
Group H remains unpredictable despite Belgium's 3-0 win over England. That result moved Belgium to twelve points and put them in the strongest position, but they are not mathematically safe yet.
Bolivia drew 1-1 with Uruguay and remain second on nine points, while Iceland sit just behind on eight. Uruguay and England are still alive on points, though their margin for error is almost gone.
Round 9 brings two huge matches. Belgium travel to Iceland and can secure qualification with a positive result. England host Bolivia in a match they must win to keep their hopes alive, while Bolivia know a victory would put them in an excellent position before their final-round meeting with Iceland.
Rep. of Montenegro are close to the U19 World Cup after a 4-0 win over Canada pushed them to sixteen points. Milovan Lekovic scored another hat-trick and continues to be the driving force of their campaign.
Bulgaria also kept themselves alive with a 5-1 win over Israel, while South Africa remain second on twelve points with two matches still to play.
Round 9 could decide everything. Montenegro travel to South Africa knowing that even a draw would secure qualification. Bulgaria visit Canada and must win to keep pressure on the top two before their final showdown with South Africa. Canada and Israel are already eliminated.
Venezuela delivered one of the strongest results of Round 8, defeating Chile 5-0 behind a four-goal performance from Tony Urbano. That victory moved them five points clear of the chasing pack.
Denmark remain second after a disappointing draw with Malta, while Chile and France are still alive but have little room left for mistakes.
Venezuela can secure qualification in Round 9 with a result against France. Denmark and Chile meet in the other match, and that fixture could decide who enters the final day in control of the second qualification place. Malta are already out, but their recent draws have made them a dangerous spoiler.
Brazil have already secured qualification, even after suffering their first defeat of the campaign against Argentina. The 3-1 loss did not damage their top-two position, but it did prove that the group leaders are not untouchable.
Colombia responded well to their heavy defeat against Brazil by beating Hungary 3-0, while New Zealand remain just one point behind them in third. Argentina's victory over Brazil kept their slim hopes alive, though they still need a perfect finish and help elsewhere.
Round 9 brings Argentina against Colombia, a match that could either keep Argentina alive or end their push completely. New Zealand host Brazil and must try to take advantage of any Colombian slip before the direct Colombia-New Zealand meeting in the final round.
Group L remains wide open. Serbia and Austria lead on thirteen points, Switzerland sit on ten, and China are still alive on nine after previously upsetting both Switzerland and Austria.
Round 8 brought Serbia a frustrating goalless draw in Ireland, while Austria beat Switzerland 3-2 in one of the most important matches of the group. That result pushed Austria level with Serbia and left Switzerland under pressure.
Round 9 could reshape the race again. Serbia host Switzerland in a heavyweight clash, while China face eliminated Ireland knowing victory would keep them fully involved heading into the final day. Austria sit out and will watch closely before their decisive closing match against Serbia.
The 32nd U17 World Cup qualification campaign has reached its decisive stretch. For most groups, this ninth round is the penultimate step before the final day; for Group J, the smallest group of the cycle, the teams have played five rounds and will complete their sixth and final matchday on 16.07.
The qualification picture is now much sharper. Brazil, Lithuania, France, Slovenia, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, England, Portugal, Germany, Romania and New Zealand are already mathematically safe in the top two. Others are one result away, while several former powers are either eliminated or clinging to narrow routes that require help elsewhere.
With only two World Cup tickets available in each group, Round 9 is where many races can finally close — and where the few still-open battles may become even more dramatic.
Brazil and Lithuania have already secured the two World Cup places from Group A. Brazil kept their perfect record intact with a 5:2 win over Croatia, powered by a remarkable five-goal performance from Adenir Soutto, while Lithuania responded to their defeat against Brazil by beating Bulgaria 4:0.
That combination ended Croatia's hopes. Even with one match still to play, Croatia can no longer catch Lithuania, while Bulgaria and Russia had already fallen too far behind.
Round 9 is therefore about momentum and positioning. Brazil visit Bulgaria looking to protect their perfect campaign, while Lithuania travel to Russia aiming to keep pressure on the group leaders before the final standings are settled.
France are mathematically through after another controlled step through the group. Even the goalless draw away to Montenegro did no real damage, as the former world champions remain unbeaten and out of reach for the lower challengers.
The fight for second place is still alive. Sweden moved into a stronger position with a 1:0 win over Venezuela, while Montenegro's draw with France kept them close enough to dream. Venezuela, now third, must wait for the final round after losing ground at the worst possible time.
Round 9 brings the decisive test for Sweden, who travel to France knowing a result would strengthen their grip on second. Montenegro must beat Malta to keep their own route open, while Malta are long since eliminated after a campaign that included the brutal 16:0 defeat to France — a result that can only reflect badly on the national team manager.
Slovenia have booked their World Cup place. Their 2:1 victory away to Moldova was not just another win; it was the result that pushed them beyond Canada's reach and confirmed their place in the top two.
Moldova remain strong favourites to join them, but they are not mathematically safe yet. Canada can still reach 15 points, so Moldova need to finish the job rather than rely on the table as it stands.
Round 9 gives Moldova a major opportunity away to Latvia. A win would end the suspense. Canada, meanwhile, must beat Slovakia and hope the final round still gives them a route back into the race. Slovakia and Latvia are already out.
Denmark and Chile Almost There, Switzerland Still Alive
Denmark and Chile continue to move side by side at the top of Group D. Denmark edged Uruguay 1:0, while Chile beat South Korea 2:1, leaving both nations on 14 points and firmly in control.
Mathematically, however, Switzerland are still alive. Their defeat to South Korea hurt badly, but with matches against Denmark and Chile still to come, they remain the only team capable of disturbing the top two.
That makes Switzerland against Denmark the key match of Round 9. A Danish win would settle the qualification race. Chile, meanwhile, face winless Uruguay with a chance to move to the brink — or possibly over the line depending on events elsewhere.
Turkey remain top after a professional 3:0 win over Thailand, but Iceland have suddenly changed the mood of the group. Their 3:2 victory over Belgium moved them within three points of second place and turned Round 9 into a major moment.
Belgium are still second, but their cushion is gone. They do not play this round, which means they can only watch as Turkey host Iceland and Norway face Thailand.
If Turkey avoid defeat, they will finally secure their World Cup place. Iceland, however, know victory would drag the group into a tense final day. Thailand are mathematically out, and after their earlier 10:0 collapse against Iceland while not fielding all 11 players, the blame for that humiliation sits squarely with the national team manager.
Argentina are already qualified and remain clear at the top despite the one shock defeat to Finland earlier in the campaign. Their task now is to finish strongly, beginning with a home match against Finland.
The more important battle is behind them. Colombia beat Israel 3:2 in Round 8 to move into second place, and that result may prove decisive. Israel now have to wait for others to slip, while Mexico's goalless draw with Finland left them with very little room to manoeuvre.
Round 9 brings Mexico against Colombia. For Mexico, only victory keeps the dream realistic. For Colombia, a win would put them within touching distance of the World Cup before their difficult final meeting with Argentina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Through, Three Teams Chase One Place
Bosnia and Herzegovina are already qualified and remain the defensive story of the entire campaign. Six matches, fourteen points and still no goals conceded underline just how controlled their qualification run has been.
Behind them, the battle is fierce. Greece sit second, but Spain are only one point behind and China only two points further back. The 0:0 draw between China and Greece kept everyone alive, while Spain's narrow win over Czech Republic pulled them right back into contention.
Round 9 could be decisive. Spain host China in a direct battle for survival, while Bosnia and Herzegovina face eliminated Czech Republic with a chance to strengthen their grip on first place. Greece will watch nervously, knowing they could lose second place without playing.
Poland and England are through. Poland's 5:2 win over South Africa and England's 1:0 victory away to Austria moved both sides to 18 points, leaving Austria unable to catch either of them.
The defending champions remain perfect, but England have recovered well since losing the direct meeting with Poland. Their final-round rematch may still decide first place, but the qualification race itself is over.
Round 9 therefore shifts toward pride and positioning. Poland host Austria, while USA meet South Africa in a match between two eliminated sides hoping to avoid finishing bottom.
Portugal Through, Serbia and Estonia Battle for the Other Ticket
Portugal are mathematically safe after a commanding 4:1 win away to Estonia. Since losing their opening match to the Netherlands, the former runners-up have responded with five straight victories and now control the group.
The second ticket is still unresolved. Serbia strengthened their position with a 4:0 victory over India, moving two points ahead of Estonia. The Netherlands are still alive on paper, but their route is now extremely narrow.
Round 9 gives Portugal what should be a routine chance against eliminated India. The real tension comes from Netherlands versus Estonia. Estonia cannot afford defeat, while the Netherlands must win to keep any mathematical hope alive.
Group J will not play again until 16.07, when the smallest group completes its sixth and final round. Germany are already through after five wins from five and only one goal conceded.
The second place is still not fully settled. Ireland hold a three-point advantage over Bangladesh after beating Japan 2:0, but Bangladesh can still draw level if they win the direct meeting on the final day.
Japan are already eliminated, while Germany will finish against them with first place already secured. The drama belongs to Ireland and Bangladesh, with one final match deciding whether Ireland finish the job or Bangladesh force a late twist.
Scotland remain top, but Group K is still one of the most dangerous sections in the competition. Their 2:2 draw with Bolivia kept them ahead, but Bolivia followed it by stunning Australia 2:1 and moving into second place.
Australia now find themselves third, Italy have climbed back into the conversation, and Hungary are the only side already eliminated. With so few points between the contenders, every remaining match matters.
Round 9 gives Scotland a chance to take a huge step against Hungary. The bigger clash, however, is Italy against Australia. The loser may be pushed to the edge of elimination, while the winner will stay firmly in the World Cup race heading into the final day.
Romania and New Zealand are already qualified, and now the group becomes a fight for first place. Romania lead on the same points with a match in hand, while New Zealand remain unbeaten but lost momentum with a 1:1 draw against Algeria.
Peru's 0:1 defeat to Albania ended any realistic story behind the top two. Once again, Peru did not field all 11 players, and while the scoreline was not extreme, the repeated failure to properly field a team has become a damaging reflection on their national team manager.
Round 9 brings the match the group has been waiting for: Romania against New Zealand. Both are going to the World Cup, but first place, confidence and the psychological edge are all still on the table.
The ninth round arrives with many tickets already stamped, but not every story finished. Some groups are now about first place, others are still searching for their second qualifier, and Group K remains wide open. With the finish line in sight, every mistake now feels permanent.
