Arya News - International breaks can be greeted with dread but November’s games produced some unforgettable moments. From underdog tales to new heroes emerging in the colours of their countries, we’ve picked ...
International breaks can be greeted with dread but November’s games produced some unforgettable moments. From underdog tales to new heroes emerging in the colours of their countries, we’ve picked out five of the best.
Parrott becomes Irish icon
The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of making the 2026 World Cup hung by a thread this month, with big results required against Portugal and Hungary to keep alive their hopes of a first World Cup in over two decades.
The odds were stacked against Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side when Portugal, ranked 57 places above Ireland by FIFA, arrived at Aviva Stadium. What followed was one of The Boys in Green’s best wins of the 21st century, as Troy Parrott’s first-half brace sealed a precious win over the 10-man Portuguese, who had Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.
Somehow, things got even better just three days later. A winner-takes-all showdown with Hungary looked to be heading the home side’s way, as the Hungarians led 2-1 with just 10 minutes to go. Only a win would be enough to keep Irish hopes of a playoff place alive, but Parrott’s second goal of the game – and fourth of the break – set up a grandstand finish.
Then, it happened. A long ball from Caoimhín Kelleher was flicked on by Liam Scales in the 96th minute, with Parrott alert to prod past the goalkeeper. Hat-trick. Hero. Pandemonium. Ireland are in the playoffs against all odds.
Haaland heroics end Norway’s World Cup wait
Erling Haaland was in danger of joining the long list of iconic footballers never to have played in a World Cup . Norway had not qualified for the tournament since 1998, while their last major tournament was the same summer (2000) that Haaland was born.
The wait is over, and qualification has been achieved in style. Eight wins from eight games, including emphatic home and away victories over Italy, have booked Norway’s ticket to North America next summer.
Haaland scored 16 goals in those eight games, double the haul of any other player in Europe’s qualifiers. The 25-year-old is a phenomenon and will deservedly grace the biggest stage of all next summer.
McTominay, Tierney and McLean magic sends Scotland to World Cup
Scotland are another side who have ended their wait, securing a World Cup place for the first time in 28 years. The Tartan Army needed to beat Denmark at Hampden Park to qualify and achieved that after an all-time classic.
Scott McTominay delivered his latest ‘I’m him’ moment inside four minutes, as the Napoli midfielder scored an audacious overhead kick to open the scoring.
A see-sawing second half then brought the drama. First, Rasmus Hojlund equalised from the spot after a foul by Andy Robertson, before Denmark defender Rasmus Kristensen saw red to hand the momentum back to Scotland. When Lawrence Shankland steered in Scotland’s second, the game looked won, only for Patrick Dorgu to level for Denmark again.
Scotland surged forward for a winner and found it in style. A long ball into the box broke back out to Kieran Tierney, who whipped in a winner. Still, there was time for more. As Denmark gambled bodies forward, Scotland pounced. Kenny McLean lifted his head and spotted Kasper Schmeichel in no man’s land, launching an effort from inside his own half to score. A special, special night for Scotland, littered with magic moments.
Magnificent seven for Wales
Wales wrapped up home advantage for the play-off semi-finals after dismantling North Macedonia 7-1 in a performance head coach Craig Bellamy called ‘close to perfect’.
Harry Wilson hit a hat-trick to lead the charge, with further goals from David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James and Nathan Broadhead sealing a seven-goal success.
North Macedonia had started the night level on points with Wales and in pursuit of a play-off place of their own, having conceded just three goals in seven games ahead of the trip to Cardiff. The visitors had no answer to Bellamy’s side, however, as Wales scored seven in a single game for the first time in 47 years.
Curaçao become smallest ever World Cup nation
Curaçao have done it. The smallest ever nation to reach a World Cup, after holding Jamaica to a goalless draw to qualify.
The tiny Caribbean nation boast a population of just 156,115. For context, the population of the entire country is less than UK towns including Warrington and Slough.
Curaçao have now eclipsed Iceland as the smallest country, by population, ever to reach the tournament. It’s an astonishing achievement, guided by veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, for a national team only founded in 2011. An incredible underdog story.
Read – The 42 nations to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far
See more – Every UEFA nation to qualify for the World Cup 2026 play-offs
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