Ukraine pulled off a dramatic comeback to secure a place in the World Cup play-offs after overturning Iceland in the closing moments of their decisive Group D match in Warsaw.

The meeting functioned as a straight shootout, with the Nordic side requiring only a draw to advance.

For most of the contest, Iceland appeared on course to progress, maintaining their narrow advantage deep into the second half.

Zubkov sparks Ukrainian revival

The momentum changed in the final stretch when Oleksandr Zubkov steered a close-range header into the net after Oleksii Hutsuliak flicked on a corner.

That breakthrough shifted the balance of the match, lifting the Ukrainian side both emotionally and tactically.

Iceland, who had defended with discipline for over eighty minutes, struggled to recover from the setback as pressure continued to mount.

Hutsuliak seals qualification

During added time, Hutsuliak delivered the decisive strike, sending in an effort that deflected beyond the Icelandic goalkeeper.

The late finish extinguished Iceland’s hopes and confirmed Ukraine’s passage to the playoffs. The qualifying draw is scheduled to unfold in Zurich on Thursday at noon GMT, with the fixtures set for late March.

Elsewhere in group D

In the simultaneous contest, already-qualified France overturned an early deficit to defeat Azerbaijan 3-1 away from home.

The victory ensured France completed the group strongly, while Azerbaijan ended the campaign without a win.

Ukraine now prepares to chase only their second appearance at the global tournament, the previous one coming during their run to the 2006 quarter-finals.

Spain moved to within touching distance of reaching the 2026 World Cup after overcoming Georgia with confidence and control in their latest Group E outing.

Luis de la Fuente’s players sit three points clear at the summit with one fixture left, leaving only an extraordinary collapse against Turkey capable of stopping them from sealing a direct ticket.

The visitors imposed themselves immediately and struck first after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a spot-kick awarded for a handball committed by Giorgi Gocholeishvili.

Their advantage soon grew when Martin Zubimendi lifted the ball over Giorgi Mamardashvili to finish a sweeping move.

Attacking fluency maintains Spain’s momentum

Spain continued to dictate the rhythm and expanded their lead before the interval, with Ferran Torres guiding in a composed effort after meeting Oyarzabal’s delivery. The forward then turned creator in the second half, bending a precise cross into the area for Oyarzabal to head in his second of the night.

De la Fuente’s squad has been relentless throughout the campaign, winning each of their five qualifiers with a combined total of nineteen goals. Their defensive line has been equally assured, completing the sequence so far without allowing any opposing side to score.

Qualification picture ahead of final matchday

Spain would already have secured passage had Turkey faltered in their meeting with Bulgaria, yet strikes from Hakan Calhanoglu and an own goal by Atanas Chernev kept the chase alive.

Even so, Turkey remains significantly behind on goal difference and faces a daunting task in Sevilla.

To overtake the group leaders, they must achieve a victory by seven goals, an outcome that appears highly improbable.

Spain, therefore, approaches Tuesday with confidence, knowing that only a shocking, heavy defeat could stop their progression to next summer’s event in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

Belgium’s hopes of confirming their place at the 2026 World Cup were postponed after they could not overcome a determined Kazakhstan side.

The group leaders arrived expecting another straightforward outing following their dominant six-goal display in the previous encounter.

However, the match took an unexpected turn when the home team struck first, with 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev finding a gap at Matz Sels’ near post.

Despite sustained pressure, the away team struggled to break through before the interval.

Belgium fight back but fall short

Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper, Temirlan Anarbekov, repeatedly frustrated Belgian attempts, producing several important interventions.

The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the restart, when Hans Vanaken guided a header into the net from a Timothy Castagne delivery.

Belgium increased the tempo as they hunted a decisive goal but continued to meet resistance across the pitch. Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku came closest, dragging an inviting chance wide as time began to run out.

Kazakhstan hold on with ten men

The hosts faced a tougher challenge late in the contest after Islam Chesnokov received a red card, forcing Kazakhstan to finish a player down.

Even with the numerical advantage, Belgium could not turn possession into a match-winning strike.

Kazakhstan remained compact and disciplined, securing an unexpected result that halted the group leaders’ celebrations.

Belgium still sits at the summit and can book their ticket with a victory against Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Wales inched toward their qualification target with a labored victory in Vaduz, struggling for rhythm against a Liechtenstein side made up largely of non-professional players.

The visiting team controlled possession from the outset but failed to break down a well-organized defense, with Nathan Broadhead having a strike cancelled following a lengthy VAR intervention for offside interference.

Benjamin Buchel, heavily relied upon by his national team, was required to intervene several times but never appeared overwhelmed by Wales’ often predictable attacking combinations.

A lack of creativity left Craig Bellamy’s squad frustrated at the interval, despite dominating territory and tempo without producing a breakthrough.

Second-half lift brings vital goal

After the restart, Wales continued to press yet still found clear openings difficult to produce, with Daniel James rattling the post from a crisp volley.

The breakthrough finally arrived around the hour mark through a swift combination down the left involving Neco Williams and Daniel James, ending with Jordan James turning in from close range.

The goal offered relief to the large Welsh support occupying most of the stadium, briefly lifting the mood on an otherwise underwhelming night.

Both James and Captain Ethan Ampadu later received bookings, ensuring they will miss the decisive meeting with North Macedonia in Cardiff.

Bellamy’s ban and late scare

Bellamy viewed the match from the stands due to suspension, leaving assistant Piet Cremers to take charge on the touchline.

Although preparations were adjusted slightly, Wales were still widely expected to ease past a side ranked near the bottom of the global list and without a goal in this qualifying cycle.

Liechtenstein’s resilience mirrored their performance in Cardiff, where they held out for forty minutes before conceding. In Vaduz, their resistance stretched even longer

The hosts even threatened an equalizer in stoppage time when Sandro Wolfinger connected with a late effort, which he sent wide, sparing Wales a damaging setback.

Qualification picture tightens

Wales must now beat North Macedonia at home to secure second place in Group J and claim a home play-off semi-final.

Failure to win would force them into an away semi-final, though their Nations League record guarantees them a spot regardless.

Improvement across all areas will be required if they are to overcome a far stronger opponent on Tuesday, especially without two suspended midfielders.