England are heading to the World Cup

England's men’s footballers are on their way to the 2026 Fifa World Cup after a 5–0 win in Latvia.

The win means England top Group K with a perfect record - winning all six of their matches so far, scoring 18 goals and conceding none.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before captain Harry Kane struck twice - one from open play and one from the penalty spot. A fourth was added through a Latvian own goal and Eberechi Eze rounded off the win.

Despite having two qualifying games still to play, it means England can look forward to competing in next summer’s tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The next World Cup will take place in America, Canada and Mexico

England manager Thomas Tuchel, who had been critical of England fans not being noisy enough during a friendly against Wales at Wembley said: "It makes such a difference if you go out as a player or as a coach and you see the fans behind the team and singing. This is also part of what we do.

"We want to make them proud, we want to make them happy. They should be happy to watch us and they should be able to identify with how we play.

"We are on our way to build something and top performance from them today."

Wales

Despite a 4-2 defeat to Belgium in Cardiff, Wales are almost guaranteed a place in the play-offs, even if the team don’t come second in the qualification group.

That's because of Wales’ success in the Nations League last year.

Four places in March's play-offs are kept for teams who won their Nations League group – but only used if they don't finish in the top two of their current World Cup qualifying group. Wales are currently third.

With all Nations League group winners above them – Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, England and Norway – either certain of or about to guarantee finishing first or second in their qualifying group, Wales should still reach the play-offs even if they fail to move above North Macedonia who are currently second in the group.

But there is a downside to that route as it will mean Wales will be among the lowest seeded sides in the play-offs – and face a far tougher route to the World Cup.

Scotland

Scotland made hard work of their 2-1 win against Belarus at Hampden Park - a result that keeps their World Cup dreams alive.

Scotland opened the scoring through a goal by Che Adams, and then a late second from Scott McTominay with Belarus scoring in stoppage time at the end of the second half.

That victory places Scotland in second place in their qualifying group, two wins away from automatic qualification and securing a World Cup play-off spot at the very least.

However, manager Steve Clarke who is now Scotland’s longest serving men’s manager said he was “disappointed“ with the team’s performance and some fans booed at the final whistle.

Up next, Greece followed by group leaders Denmark.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland lost 1–0 to Germany in a close match. The deciding goal in Belfast came in the first half, scored by Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade.

That result leaves Northern Ireland in third place in their group, a position that makes automatic qualification unlikely.

Despite the result, the team played well against four-time world champions, Germany and also beat Slovakia 2-0 in the other game during this international break, last Friday.

Northern Ireland now need to win the remaining matches against Slovakia and Luxembourg for a chance at a play-off place.