France, Spain, and Portugal are aiming to secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, Italy finds itself in a difficult situation with its fate not entirely in its own hands. France, the runner-up in the last World Cup in Qatar 2022, hosts Ukraine today at the 'Parc des Princes' in Group 4, with the aim of securing all three points to clinch qualification. 'Les Bleus', the champions in 1998 and 2018, top the group with 10 points, three ahead of Ukraine, with two rounds remaining. However, if Didier Deschamps's men fail to win, they will still keep their hopes of direct qualification alive when they travel to Azerbaijan next Sunday. Spain, leaders of Group 5 with a perfect 12 points from four matches, has the chance to secure qualification if they win or draw against hosts Georgia, provided second-placed Turkey (9 points) do not beat Bulgaria, who have been eliminated. 'La Roja' travels to Tbilisi to face Georgia in two days, before hosting Turkey three days later in Seville. However, the Spanish team received shocking news with the absence of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal from the matches against Georgia and Turkey, as announced by their federation, which also expressed its annoyance at being late to be informed of the 18-year-old's withdrawal. A win for Portugal, leaders of Group 6, over Ireland in Dublin today will secure their direct ticket to the World Cup. The Portuguese team relies on its seasoned star, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is looking to add to his five goals scored during the qualifiers. Italy, whose fate is not entirely in its hands, is in a tough spot, sitting second in Group 9, three points behind leaders Norway (15 vs 18). Norway will qualify for the finals for the first time since 1998 if they beat Estonia, and Italy do not beat Moldova today. Italy hosts Norway at the San Siro stadium in the final, eighth round next Sunday, with the visitors holding the advantage; if Italy loses, the Norwegians will remain in contention thanks to a massive goal difference advantage (+26 vs +10 for Italy). Switzerland (Group 2), the Netherlands (7), Austria (8), Belgium (10), and Croatia (12) can also join the list of qualifiers with a round to go. As for Germany (Group 1), they will have to wait for their two matches today against Luxembourg and in three days against Slovakia to find out their fate.
