France step up and get closer to qualification
In their third World Cup qualifying match, France took their time to build their victory. Against a tightly packed Azerbaijani defense, patience was the key. You could almost say Mbappé’s goal came at the end of boredom. Pouncing on a loose ball, the French superstar used his trademark dribbling and acceleration to break the deadlock — another goal that brings him even closer to Olivier Giroud’s all-time scoring record.
The second half saw a livelier tempo, and once again, Mbappé made the difference — this time as a provider. From a corner kick, he delivered the assist for Adrien Rabiot, the former PSG and Marseille midfielder, who scored amid heavy boos from the Parc des Princes crowd.
The third goal was a storybook moment for a returning face: Lens winger Florian Thauvin. Six years after his last call-up, he marked his comeback with a stunning strike — a brilliant chest control followed by a powerful volley, symbolizing his dazzling start to the season.
This victory, combined with Ukraine’s win in Iceland, now gives France the chance to qualify directly for the World Cup as early as Monday, should they win their next match in Reykjavík.
North Macedonia stuns Belgium
Here lies the surprise of Matchday 3 in the European qualifiers. At home, Belgium was held to a 0–0 draw by North Macedonia. Without a true striker in the starting lineup, the Red Devils struggled to break through the visitors’ defensive wall, and the late introductions of Openda and Fofana failed to change the outcome.
For North Macedonia, this result is massive — taking a point from one of the group favorites and climbing to first place in the standings. Everything remains wide open in this group, with Wales lurking just behind. Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein look destined to serve as sparring partners for the rest.
Germany restores order
Germany is back on top of Group A. After an opening stumble against Slovakia, two consecutive wins have brought the Mannschaft right back into the race. With an impressive goal differential, Germany now leads over Northern Ireland and Slovakia, who also sit on six points.
Against Luxembourg, the Germans were all business, cruising to a 4–0 win. Joshua Kimmich scored a brace, while Serge Gnabry and David Raum added their names to the scoresheet. Ruthless, efficient, and back to doing what they do best — Germany looks like Germany again.
Sweden nearly out, Switzerland flying high
A remarkable night for the Nati, who went to Sweden and claimed a 2–0 victory. At Stockholm’s electrified Friends Arena, Sweden tried to threaten goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, but without much success. Despite the attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, it was Switzerland that dictated the outcome.
The first goal came from the penalty spot, calmly converted by captain Granit Xhaka, while the second was a textbook counterattack finished off by Johan Manzambi. With a four-point lead over Kosovo, Switzerland is now on the verge of qualifying for its sixth straight World Cup.
As for Sweden — despite a talented generation — they sit at the bottom of the group and have all but waved goodbye to the American summer dream.
