Kick Off: Norway back to the WC; Ireland enters play-off from last-minute

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

Italy 1-4 Norway: Haaland nets twice to secure WC spot as Italy go to play-offs

Erling Haaland scored two goals in as many minutes as Norway cemented their return to a World Cup for the first time in 28 years in style with victory over Italy.

Hungary 2-3 Ireland: Troy Parrott hat-trick secure WC qualifying play-off spot

Troy Parrott dramatically completed his hat-trick by scoring a last-minute winner and securing Republic of Ireland a World Cup qualifying play-off spot following their thrilling 3-2 win against Hungary.

Match Reports

Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (3-4 pens): DR Congo seal inter-confederation play-off spot

DR Congo beat Nigeria in the CAF World Cup Qualifier play-off final in a dramatic penalty shootout, and secured their place in the interconfederation play-offs, where there are two World Cup spots up for grabs.

Albania 0-2 England: Kane brace helps England end WC qualifying with 100% record

Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as England beat Albania to complete a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign with eight wins from eight.

Azerbaijan 1-3 France: Mateta & Akliouche score in comfortable victory

France ended their World Cup qualification campaign with a flourish, coming from behind to beat Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku.

Portugal 9-1 Armenia: Bruno & Joao Neves hat-tricks help secure World Cup spot

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as Portugal secured their place at the 2026 World Cup in emphatic fashion by thrashing Armenia.

These Things Happen

Francis’ surgery in Japan successful; returns to France for recovery

Following the incident during the game between Ghana and Japan, the Ghana Football Association is happy to inform the public that Francis Abu has successfully undergone surgery.

Arsenal fixtures Gabriel could miss including three huge games after injury blow

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off with an injury during Brazil's friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon

Painful! Two women's football players collided heads, both developed large bumps

On November 15th, the 9th round of the English Women's Premier League featured a Manchester derby.

Tuchel tells Bellingham to 'accept' his decision after addressing sub reaction

Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham must "accept" his decision making after the England midfielder showed his frustration at being substituted during the 2-0 win against Albania.

Chelsea star Estevao makes surprise request for a day off from Brazil training

Chelsea youngster Estevao has spoken about the effective man-management skills of his national team boss Carlo Ancelotti, after the Brazil head coach allowed him to miss training to take his driving test.

AS: Zidane to coach France next summer, RM comeback untrue

According to a recent report by José Félix Díaz of AS, Zidane will coach the French national team after next summer's World Cup, contradicting previous rumors of a return to Real Madrid.

9-1 against Armenia is the second-largest margin of victory in Portugal history

In the World Cup qualifier Europe, Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 at home, securing its second-largest margin of victory in the team's history.

Blogger analyzes Gabriel’s injury: usual 1-3 weeks out, his appears more serious

On 15 November, football injury analysis blogger "Physio Scout" analyzed Gabriel's injury.

Gyokeres and Alexander Isak on the brink of huge setback after summer transfers

Sweden fell to a 4-1 loss against Switzerland on Saturday, leaving them bottom of their World Cup qualification group with a game left to play.

Man United agree to Joshua Zirkzee exit and inform Roma of asking price

Roma have emerged as the most likely destination for Zirkzee, 24, who is hoping to leave Man United in January.

Zinedine Zidane lands his next job in management - Paper talk

The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday's newspapers...

Millie Bright breaks WSL appearance record: Why she is the game's all-time great

"She's never fed up of football," Sonia Bompastor tells Sky Sports, when asked to comment on Millie Bright's incredible longevity. "Every day seems like the first day."

What They Say

Kane: You might not win Ballon d'Or by scoring 100 goals without UCL or WC title

Harry Kane attends the press conference before England's WCQ match against Albania and answers questions on winning the Ballon d'Or.

Éric Chelle: DR Congo did some voodoo during the penalty session

In the final of the African World Cup qualifying play-offs, the Democratic Republic of the Congo defeated Nigeria 5-4 on aggregate in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the intercontinental play-offs. 

Lineker: Lewandowski is one of the greatest No.9s ever; Barça means much to me

Gary Winston Lineker (Leicester, 1960) played for Barça for three years (1986-89) and scored 42 goals in 103 matches. 

Fixtures of the day

WCQ Europe

Germany VS Slovakia 2025/11/17 19:45 UTC

Netherlands VS Lithuania 2025/11/17 19:45 UTC

Montenegro VS Croatia 2025/11/17 19:45 UTC