Road To 2026: England Qualify, Nigeria And Italy Set For Playoffs As World Cup Race Intensifies Across Continents

Several nations secure World Cup qualification, others confirm playoff spots as global superstars take center stage

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathered serious momentum across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas as several nations secured qualification, others confirmed playoff spots, and global superstars once again took center stage. From Victor Osimhen's hat-trick heroics in Nigeria to Cristiano Ronaldo breaking another historic record, and from England's emphatic qualification to Ivory Coast's long-awaited return, the October international window delivered defining moments in the global race to North America.

Why it matters

With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the battle lines are now clearer and the drama is only beginning. The qualification races across continents have revealed a blend of established powers, African resurgence, veteran icons rewriting records, and emerging nations narrowing the competitive gap, setting the stage for an unpredictable and intriguing tournament.

The details

Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic to book a place in the intercontinental playoffs, with Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick. South Africa's Bafana Bafana secured direct qualification, finishing top of Group C. Ivory Coast also confirmed its return to the World Cup after defeating Kenya 3-0. England became the first European team to secure qualification, while Spain and Italy secured playoff spots. Cristiano Ronaldo added another record to his legacy, scoring twice for Portugal. Qatar sealed qualification, while Argentina and the United States continued their preparations.

  • On October 11, 2025, Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 4-0 to book a place in the intercontinental playoffs.
  • On October 12, 2025, South Africa secured direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda.
  • On October 13, 2025, Ivory Coast defeated Kenya 3-0 to confirm their return to the World Cup.
  • On October 14, 2025, England became the first European team to secure qualification to the 2026 World Cup after a 5-0 victory over Latvia.
  • On October 15, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal in a 2-2 draw against Hungary, surpassing Carlos Ruiz's record of 39 World Cup qualifying goals.

The players

Victor Osimhen

A Nigerian striker who plays for Galatasaray and scored a hat-trick in Nigeria's 4-0 victory over Benin Republic.

Wilfred Ndidi

A Nigerian midfielder who led confidently from the middle of the park in Nigeria's victory.

William Troost-Ekong

A Nigerian defender who marshalled a disciplined defense to preserve a clean sheet for Nigeria.

Hugo Broos

The manager of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, who has overseen their remarkable resurgence.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese forward who scored twice in Portugal's 2-2 draw against Hungary, surpassing Carlos Ruiz's record of 39 World Cup qualifying goals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.