In Euro 2024 qualifying, Bellingham and Mbappe thrill on the field as war and terrorism impact games

GENEVA: Eight teams advanced to the 2024 European Championship in a week when qualifying games were disrupted by war in the Middle East and terrorism on the streets of Brussels.

Belgium and Sweden did not complete their game Monday so as to ensure the safety of visiting fans, and Israel could not play either of their scheduled games after the surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 and conflict since.

On the field, England and France were the standout teams with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe the most thrilling talents in Europe. Both teams sealed their places at Euro 2024.

Host Germany also werejoined by Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Turkiye. Nine of the 24 places are now confirmed ahead of the final rounds of group-stage games next month and qualifying playoffs in March.

Israel are close to reaching their first finals since joining UEFA for political and security reasons 30 years ago.

Politics and player safety have weighed heavily on Euro 2024 qualifying even before Israel’s games — hosting Switzerland and at Kosovo — were postponed.

Ukraine have not played a home game since the February 2022 invasion by Russia, which is still banned from international soccer because of waging the war.

Ukraine’s four “home” games this year were scheduled in four different countries: Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic capital Prague to beat North Macedonia 2-0 last week and a key Nov. 20 game against Italy in Leverkusen, Germany.

Russia’s military ally Belarus has had to play in empty stadiums in neutral Hungary and Serbia.

Uncertainty remains for Israel and Belgium. Israel and Switzerland try again in Tel Aviv on Nov. 15 to start a triple-header week of games for both.

Before then, UEFA aims to find a