Kane Fires England Past Andorra, Netherlands Cruise as Petrovic Saves Serbia

Harry Kane’s second-half strike was enough to give England a narrow win over Andorra, while the Netherlands got their FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifying campaign up and running with a convincing win in Helsinki. 

There were also important victories for Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Serbia were rescued by a vital penalty save from Djordje Petrovic in a goalless draw with Albania.

Here’s a wrap of the key results from across Europe.

Group K: Kane Delivers Again for England

Andorra 0–1 England

Goal: Harry Kane (50’)

Thomas Tuchel made a bit of history by becoming the first England coach to win his first three qualifiers without conceding, and once again it was Harry Kane who made the difference.

After a dominant but wasteful first half, Kane finally broke the deadlock five minutes after the break, sliding home a well-placed cross from Noni Madueke. England had further chances through Madueke and Eberechi Eze, but the single goal proved enough.

Andorra, still rooted to the bottom of the table, put in a spirited shift but never truly threatened.

Group G: Dutch Class Too Much for Finland

Finland 0–2 Netherlands

Goals: Memphis Depay (6’), Denzel Dumfries (23’)

The Netherlands made quick work of Finland in Helsinki with two first-half goals that sealed all three points. Memphis Depay opened the scoring early, latching onto a defensive mistake and volleying in his 48th international goal — just two shy of Robin van Persie’s all-time Dutch record.

Denzel Dumfries then added a second, tapping in a low cross from Cody Gakpo after a slick move down the left. The Dutch looked comfortable throughout and now sit just a point off second-placed Finland, with two games in hand.

Group H: Džeko Lifts Bosnia, Austria Edge Romania

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1–0 San Marino

Goal: Edin Džeko (66’)

San Marino’s long wait for a World Cup qualifying point goes on as Bosnia made it three wins from three. The breakthrough came from a familiar name — Edin Džeko — who scored within a minute of coming on in the second half.

It was his 68th international goal and enough to keep Bosnia top of Group H, with a perfect record. San Marino, despite showing better shape and discipline than in years past, rarely tested the home side.

Austria 2–1 Romania

Goals: Michael Gregoritsch (42’), Marcel Sabitzer (60’); Florin Tănase (90+5’)

Austria got their campaign off to a flying start with a solid win over Romania in Vienna. Gregoritsch opened the scoring with a crisp finish before captain Marcel Sabitzer added a second on the hour mark.

Romania grabbed a late consolation through Florin Tănase, but it wasn’t enough to deny Ralf Rangnick’s side a deserved three points. Austria face San Marino next, while Romania are now six points off Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Group G: Malta Hold Lithuania in Drab Draw

Malta 0–0 Lithuania

There wasn’t much to shout about in Ta’ Qali as Malta picked up their first point of the campaign with a gritty 0-0 draw against Lithuania. The visitors had more of the ball but few clear chances, with their best coming after the break when Artur Dolznikov struck the crossbar.

Malta’s Paul Mbong forced a save in a more competitive second half, and the islanders will be pleased with a disciplined defensive showing. Lithuania remain fourth, while Malta sit one point behind them.

Group G: Petrovic Heroics Deny Albania Win

Albania 0–0 Serbia

Serbia’s World Cup qualifying campaign started with a hard-fought point in Tirana, largely thanks to a superb penalty save from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The Chelsea shot-stopper denied Rey Manaj from the spot after Elseid Hysaj was fouled in first-half stoppage time.

The second half remained tight, with both sides struggling to carve out clear chances. Albanian keeper Thomas Strakosha produced a vital save to keep out Aleksandar Mitrović’s header, ensuring the spoils were shared in a tense and often physical affair.

How Qualifying Works

UEFA’s first qualifying round features 12 groups of four or five teams. Group winners book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the remaining four European spots will be decided via a 16-team playoff featuring group runners-up and four top-ranked UEFA Nations League teams.

Up Next

The next round of fixtures continues Tuesday, with Austria facing San Marino, England hosting Lithuania, and Serbia meeting Finland in what’s shaping up to be a crucial early test.

Stay tuned for more updates as the road to North America heats up.