Internationals: João Neves the hat-trick hero as Portugal & Norway seal World Cup spots

Portugal stole the spotlight on Sunday night as João Neves produced a sensational hat-trick in a 9-1 victory over Armenia that sealed the Seleção’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The PSG midfielder delivered his most complete international performance to date, scoring with a composed finish, a superb curling free-kick and a crisp half-volley as Roberto Martínez’s side claimed top spot in Group F in emphatic fashion. Despite Armenia briefly equalising through Eduard Spertsyan, Portugal were relentless, with Bruno Fernandes also netting a hat-trick while Renato Veiga opened the scoring with a close-range header. Francisco Conceição added a ninth in added time to complete a commanding win.

Norway also qualify for first time since 1998

The other major storyline of the evening came in Rome, where Norway booked their place at the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a statement 4-1 victory away to Italy. While Erling Haaland’s quickfire brace tilted the match decisively in Norway’s favour, Antonio Nusa drew the visitors level with a fierce strike, continuing his rapid international rise and reaffirming the admiration he has attracted from Ligue 1 scouts. Oscar Bobb, supplied a precise cross for Haaland’s first goal before Jørgen Strand Larsen capped the night with a solo effort deep into stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Ireland secured second place in Group F with a dramatic 3-2 win in Budapest thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Troy Parrott, while Ukraine clinched a play-off spot by defeating Iceland 2-0 through late goals from Oleksandr Zubkov and Oleksii Hutsuliak. England completed a perfect qualifying record with a 2-0 win in Albania, Harry Kane scoring twice in the final 20 minutes.

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