America, here we come! France secured their place in the 2026 World Cup by beating Ukraine 4-0 at the Parc des Princes. Kylian Mbappé led the team with a brace, reaching a new milestone of 400 career goals. The match featured a tribute before kickoff to the victims of the November 13, 2015 attacks.
Portugal will have to wait. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team had the chance to join France among the World Cup qualifiers, but they failed to beat Ireland, losing 2-0 in Dublin.
In Africa, DR Congo eliminated Cameroon thanks to a stoppage-time header from Chancel Mbemba. DR Congo will face Nigeria on Sunday in the playoff final, with a spot in the intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March 2026, at stake.
In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz is now guaranteed to finish the year as world number one following his victory over Lorenzo Musetti at the ATP Finals in Turin.