World Cup qualifying served up high drama on 9 September as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and England all made headlines across Europe.
Portugal edged a five-goal contest in Budapest, France fought back with ten men against Iceland, and Thomas Tuchel’s England produced a statement victory in Belgrade.
Ronaldo strikes again as Portugal edge Hungary
Cristiano Ronaldo continued to rewrite the record books, converting from the spot to extend his tally as international football’s all-time leading scorer. His goal, alongside strikes from Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo, helped Portugal secure a 3–2 win over Hungary in Budapest.
Hungary went ahead through Barnabás Varga’s header before Silva levelled on 36 minutes. Ronaldo’s composed penalty gave Portugal the lead, only for Varga to strike again late on. With the home crowd sensing an upset, Cancelo produced a thunderous finish in the 86th minute to seal victory.
The result keeps Portugal firmly on course for the 2026 World Cup, with Ronaldo’s influence showing no signs of fading at 40 years of age.
Mbappe penalty inspires France comeback
At the Parc des Princes, France were made to sweat against a spirited Iceland side. Michael Olise’s error gifted Andri Gudjohnsen the opener, before Mbappé equalised from the spot after Marcus Thuram was fouled.
Bradley Barcola put Les Bleus in front after half-time, but Aurélien Tchouameni’s red card for a reckless challenge swung momentum back towards Iceland. The visitors thought they had levelled in stoppage time, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a foul in the build-up.
Mbappé, who also provided the assist for Barcola, was once again the difference-maker as France held on 2–1 to maintain their perfect start.
Five-star England dominate Serbia
England delivered their most convincing performance yet under Tuchel, dismantling Serbia 5–0 in Belgrade. Harry Kane opened the scoring with his 74th international goal, before Noni Madueke doubled the lead after a dazzling assist from Morgan Rogers.
Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi both scored their first goals for England, with Marcus Rashford adding a late penalty to complete the rout. Serbia’s night worsened with Nikola Milenkovic sent off for a last-man foul on Kane, while unrest in the stands reflected growing tensions off the pitch.
The emphatic victory leaves England with a flawless qualifying record and yet to concede a goal under Tuchel, signalling growing momentum ahead of next summer’s finals.
