Austria, France, Iceland and Italy earn victories
Austria, France, Iceland and Italy are the winners so far on Matchday 5 of European qualifying for the . Italy ran out 3-0 winners over Serbia, while France picked up a 2-0 win over Poland. Austria took all three points against Slovenia with a 1-0 victory and Iceland toppled Ukraine with the same scoreline.
Only the group winners in League A will qualify for the global finals in this first phase of qualifying. Between October and December 2026, 32 teams will compete in the play-offs for seven more direct World Cup tickets, with another team hoping to qualify in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Italy goals: Bergamaschi (61), Caruso (81), Bonansea (88)
Italy's goalless draw with Denmark was hanging heavy as they went into matchday five against Serbia. It was an even contest at the Arena Garibaldi but, neither side could find the decisive goal in the opening 45 minutes. However, the Italians did find the net in the second period through defender Valentina Bergamaschi.
Two late goals in the last ten minutes of the game from Arianna Caruso and Barbara Bonansea put a shine on the scoreline for the Italians, who sit second in Group A1, with Serbia in bottom spot.
France goals: Malard (47), Baltimore (55)
France went into this match looking for all three points after the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in their last outing. The away side put themselves into the lead moments after the restart, after the first half ended goalless. Sakini Karchaoui launched the ball deep for Melvine Malard to latch onto, and she slotted the ball into the net.
French forward Sandy Baltimore doubled their lead midway through the second half to secure the victory and place France top of Group A2, ahead of the Netherlands who face the Republic of Ireland. Poland sit bottom of the table with just one point from five matches.
Iceland looked like they were out for redemption after the 1-0 defeat to England on matchday four as they dominated proceedings against Ukraine in the early stages. Hildur Antonsdottir was twice denied by the post before Thelma Palmadottir opened the scoring midway through the first half.
Ukraine couldn't find a leveller, allowing third-place Iceland to pick up the victory in Stadion Miejski. While Ukraine are cemented to the bottom of Group A3 with one match remaining.
Austria failed to score in their previous match, when they played out a goalless draw with Germany and despite their early domination against Slovenia, they couldn't find the net in the opening half. Ten minutes into the second period, the home side did edge in front with a strike from defender Katharina Naschenweng.
Slovenia pushed for an equaliser and came close in stoppage time through Izabela Krizaj, but she was denied by the woodwork. Austria sit in third place in Group A4 with one game remaining. While Slovenia are rooted to bottom spot with just one win from five matches.
Sources: FIFA Official
