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European World Cup qualifying: Spain reigns, Tuchel’s England emerges and Mbappé keeps France steady

GENEVA: Spain still looks the best team in Europe, England finally put on a show in World Cup qualifying, and France got back-to-back wins while almost dropping points despite Kylian Mbappé’s goals. Every European team have now begun their qualifying group, and it was a good week for 40-year-old greats Cristiano Ronaldo, in Portugal’s fast start, and Luka Modrić, with Croatia leading its group. Erling Haaland’s five-goal haul in Norway’s 11-1 beating of Moldova pushed Italy closer to the playoffs in a group where goal difference could be decisive. Italy had perhaps the strangest week in their quest to avoid missing a third straight World Cup. The four-time champion earned six points and scored 10 goals yet ended with new coach Gennaro Gattuso filmed aiming expletives at an Israel player on the field after a wild 5-4 win. Germany also could risk ending up in the playoffs next March after stumbling to an opening 2-0 loss at Slovakia. It was a first-ever German loss on the road in World Cup qualifying. Slovakia might yet regret winning only 1-0 at Luxembourg from a 90th-minute goal.

Mbappe says mental health remains taboo in elite sports

PARIS -France captain Kylian Mbappe said top athletes are still reluctant to speak freely about mental health because they fear being judged, adding that his passion for the game is what keeps him from becoming disillusioned with football.

‘Grand Arrival’ brings together Canelo and Crawford for historic night in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS: Grand Arrival began in fine style on Tuesday night ahead of a historic showdown due to take place on Saturday.

England thrash Serbia 5-0 to close in on World Cup spot

BELGRADE: England took a huge step toward automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup with captain Harry Kane paving the way for a crushing 5-0 victory away to main Group K rivals Serbia in an impressive free-flowing display on Tuesday.

Giannis powers Greece past Lithuania 87-76 and into EuroBasket semifinal matchup against Turkiye

RIGA, Latvia: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and his younger brother Kostas blocked four shots as Greece beat Lithuania 87-76 to reach the EuroBasket semifinals on Tuesday.

Portugal edge Hungary in World Cup qualifying thriller

BUDAPEST: Joao Cancelo slotted home from the edge of the box to snatch Portugal a thrilling 3-2 win at Hungary on Tuesday, sending them top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group. Cristiano Ronaldo was also on target as Roberto Martinez’s side secured their second win from their two opening games against the spirited hosts, for whom Barnabas Varga netted twice in Budapest. Portugal lead Group F on six points from Armenia on three after their win over the Republic of Ireland earlier. “We knew it would be complicated, we made mistakes and allowed transitions,” said Bernardo Silva, who levelled for Portugal after Varga opened the scoring. “It’s always difficult to find balance, probably one of the hardest things in football, especially against teams that defend with such a low block. “Above all, it is a young team that is still growing, but the most important thing is the six points, and we took a giant step toward securing qualification for the World Cup.” Nations League champions Portugal were high on confidence after thumping Armenia 5-0 on Saturday and dominated possession. However, it was Hungary who took the lead as Ferencvaros striker Varga found a gap in Portugal’s defense and nodded home Zsolt Nagy’s cross. Portugal responded by pouring forward and Hungary goalkeeper Balazs Toth made a stunning save to deny Ronaldo from close range after half an hour. The visitors levelled six minutes later with Manchester City midfielder Silva lashing into the roof of the net after the ball broke his way in the box. Portugal took the lead after 58 minutes through veteran striker Ronaldo, aiming to become the first player to feature at six different World Cup finals. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner won the spot-kick when his

Djed Spence becomes first Muslim footballer to play for England national team

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur fullback Djed Spence made history on Tuesday night when he became the first Muslim player to take to the field for England in a senior men’s international football match.

Mbappe on the spot as France beat Iceland 2-1 in World Cup qualifier

PARIS :France striker Kylian Mbappe scored one goal and set up another as the hosts came from behind to claim a fortunate 2-1 win against Iceland on Tuesday, maintaining their perfect start in World Cup qualifying Group D.

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France Sport News

European World Cup qualifying: Spain reigns, Tuchel’s England emerges and Mbappé keeps France steady

Mbappe says mental health remains taboo in elite sports

‘Grand Arrival’ brings together Canelo and Crawford for historic night in Las Vegas

England thrash Serbia 5-0 to close in on World Cup spot

Giannis powers Greece past Lithuania 87-76 and into EuroBasket semifinal matchup against Turkiye

Portugal edge Hungary in World Cup qualifying thriller

Djed Spence becomes first Muslim footballer to play for England national team

Mbappe on the spot as France beat Iceland 2-1 in World Cup qualifier