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Which teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup so far?
France has officially secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Ukraine. Other teams like Norway and England are also close to qualification, with some already confirmed. Portugal's qualification is now uncertain after Ronaldo's red card in their recent match against Ireland.
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What were the key moments in the qualifiers?
A major highlight was Ireland's historic 2-0 win over Portugal, ending a 20-year drought against the European giants. Troy Parrott scored twice, and Ronaldo's first red card in international play significantly impacted Portugal's chances. France's emotional victory at the Parc des Princes also marked a key moment, especially on the anniversary of the Paris attacks.
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How did Ronaldo's red card affect Portugal?
Cristiano Ronaldo's red card in the match against Ireland could lead to a two-match ban, which might jeopardize Portugal's qualification efforts. His ejection was a rare disciplinary issue for the star player and has raised concerns about Portugal's ability to secure their spot in the tournament.
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What are the upcoming playoff matches?
The final qualification phase will include playoff matches where teams that haven't secured direct qualification will compete for the remaining spots. Details of these matches are yet to be finalized, but they are crucial for teams on the brink of qualification, including some European nations and others from different confederations.
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Will there be any surprises in the qualification process?
Yes, Ireland's upset victory over Portugal was a major surprise, especially considering Portugal's strong qualification record. Additionally, the ongoing disciplinary issues and unexpected results in other matches suggest that the qualification race could still see some surprises before the final list is confirmed.
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How does the qualification process work for the 2026 World Cup?
The qualification process involves multiple continental zones, with teams competing in group stages and playoff matches. The top teams from each zone earn direct spots, while others compete in playoffs for remaining places. The process is complex and varies by region, making it an exciting and unpredictable journey for fans and teams alike.