The Beginning of the End: Final World Cup Qualifiers Kick Off Across Europe

Today, November 13, marks the start of the final international break of the year — and with it, the decisive stage of the European qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. Eight crucial matches are on the schedule tonight, and in four of the groups, we could finally get answers to the biggest questions of the campaign.
Only two rounds remain before the qualification stage concludes, with the final fixtures set for next Tuesday, November 18. Yet, in several groups, the picture is already becoming clear — all that’s left is to put the finishing touches on the standings. One such case is Group F, where Portugal face Ireland this evening. Even a single point will be enough for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to officially secure first place and punch their ticket to the World Cup.
In Group K, everything has already been settled. England, under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, have already qualified for the tournament and will take on Serbia tonight with a sense of calm confidence. Things are far more tense in Group I, where Norway hold a slim three-point lead over Italy but have yet to guarantee qualification. This evening, the group features two decisive clashes — Norway vs. Estonia and Moldova vs. Italy — that could reshape the race entirely.