📝 Norway on track, Macedonia push in 2026 UEFA qualifiers | OneFootball

The fourth matchday of the World Cup qualifiers in Europe continues to unfold. And this Monday has brought action in several cities across the old continent.

A Monday with several protagonists: from a goal-scoring Erling Haaland with his national team to a Croatia that left no chance in their visit to the Czech Republic with a rout, a busy night full of goals.

Goals like those in a thrilling match between Wales and Belgium. The Belgians came out on top in a truly tense end to the match to heat up the fight in a group where a surprise guest has emerged: North Macedonia. The land of Alexander the Great wants to go to a World Cup and by the end of June, they find themselves in a privileged position.

A very intense Monday that highlights these national teams.

The star. Erling Haaland, keeps adding to bring Norway back to the World Cup

Twelve out of twelve. Four matches, four wins. Norway continues to show they are very serious about their path to the World Cup and today they did not falter in their visit to Estonia. A solitary goal by Erling Haaland was enough for the Norwegians to remain at the top of Group I... and to extend the goal-scoring streak of the Manchester City forward: 42 goals in 43 matches with his national team. Without a doubt, they want to return to a World Cup.

The surprise. North Macedonia makes an appearance

Beware, because in Group J, an unexpected contender has emerged in the race to play in the 2026 World Cup: North Macedonia. The Balkan team caused a stir today in their visit to Astana and defeated Kazakhstan 0-1 in a match full of complications. A solitary goal by Trajkovski places the North Macedonians as group leaders with eight points and a record of two wins and two draws in four matches played. Visits to Skopje are not going to be easy.

The disappointment. Italy, a poor version against Moldova

Total chaos in Reggio Emilia. A coach who bids farewell today with considerable anger towards the federation. Players who, at half-speed, completed a match that no one will remember for its spectacle. If the disallowed goal for Moldova in the ninth minute had counted, the story and the drama could have been much worse. A victory for a lackluster Italy that marks the end of the Spalletti era but fuels comments about this national team.

All the results from Monday

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 RAIGO PAJULA - AFP or licensors