France qualified for World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s madness against'Ireland

Deschamps’ France is the 29th team to qualify for the World Cup. The Bleus beat Ukraine 4-0 (Mbappé’s double) on the fifth day of Group D and have arithmetically pulled off a pass to next summer’s competition.

By contrast, Portugal failed to reach its first match point, losing 2-0 to Ireland to keep talks open in Group F. A double by Parrott and a folly by Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sent off for elbowing O’Shea, boosted Ireland&#8217s hopes of the play-offs.

It will all be decided against Hungary, which with a goal from Varga, on an assist from Szoboszlai, gives coach Rossi a 1-0 win on the field of Armenia. Eliminated from the World Cup instead is Serbia&#8217s Vlahovic and Kostic.

England already sure of the World Cup and the top spot in Group K, wins at Wembley against the Balkan national team 2-0 thanks to Saka and Eze who give Albania second place. A goal by Torino midfielder Asllani is worth the 1-0 away win over Andorra and the certainty of participating in the playoffs.