International Roundup: Thursday, Sept 4th

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is already proving to be as unforgiving as it is unpredictable. Thursday’s round of European qualifiers delivered just about everything: gritty away wins, attacking masterclasses, and the kind of shock result that sends ripples across the continent.

From Wales’ narrow escape in Astana to Slovakia’s stunning victory over Germany, here’s the full picture of an eventful matchday — the stories, the scores, and the stars who defined the action.

Wales Dig Deep in Astana

Kazakhstan 0–1 Wales

Wales knew this trip to Astana would be awkward, and so it proved. Kazakhstan pressed high, harried every loose ball, and came close to grabbing a point late on when a free-kick clattered the crossbar. But it was Kieffer Moore, on his 50th cap, who made the difference — reacting quickest to a parried header to bag his 15th international goal.

The result keeps Wales in a strong position in Group J, though it was far from comfortable. Craig Bellamy will take heart not only from the win but also from the composed debut of 19-year-old Dylan Lawlor, who slotted into defense as if he had been there for years.

Star of the Match: Dylan Lawlor — assured on debut, steady under pressure, and symbolic of Wales’ next generation.

Spain Show Ruthless Edge in Sofia

Bulgaria 0–3 Spain

Spain rarely looked troubled in Sofia. From the first whistle, they dictated tempo, carving open Bulgaria with their slick, short-passing combinations. Mikel Oyarzabal’s early goal set the tone, Marc Cucurella marked his first international strike with a thunderous effort, and Mikel Merino’s well-timed header killed the contest before halftime.

This was Spain in full flow — ruthless, efficient, and brimming with options across the pitch. Their qualification campaign already looks like a formality.

Star of the Match: Mikel Oyarzabal — his early goal and constant movement provided Spain’s cutting edge.

Türkiye’s Young Guns Edge Thriller

Georgia 2–3 Türkiye

It was chaos, drama, and brilliance in Tbilisi. Türkiye flew out of the blocks through Mert Müldür before Kerem Aktürkoğlu doubled the lead. Georgia struck back with energy and passion, twice dragging themselves into the contest, but Türkiye’s technical quality proved decisive.

Aktürkoğlu’s brace ultimately won the game, though Türkiye had to cling on after going down to 10 men in the 70th minute. For all their defensive frailties, they showed grit and attacking flair that will worry any opponent.

Star of the Match: Kerem Aktürkoğlu — a dazzling brace and relentless energy, even after his side were reduced to 10 men.

Stalemate in Vilnius

Lithuania 1–1 Malta

Neither side will be entirely satisfied with a point. Lithuania enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but were wasteful in the final third, while Malta defended with organization and spirit, taking their moment when it came. The draw leaves both nations needing something special if they are to stay in the hunt.

Star of the Match: Alexander Satariano - had 7 shots and scored a nice goal off the counter-attack to put the Maltese ahead.

Belgium Run Riot in Vaduz

Liechtenstein 0–6 Belgium

Belgium turned on the style, brushing aside Liechtenstein with the kind of ruthless display expected of them. Goals flowed freely, and the gulf in quality was apparent from the first whistle.

Kevin De Bruyne, back to full fitness, was the conductor of the orchestra — threading passes, controlling the rhythm, and capping his performance with a trademark strike from distance. This was Belgium at their slick, clinical best.

Star of the Match: Kevin De Bruyne — effortless dominance from midfield, topped with a spectacular goal.

Northern Ireland Show Their Steel

Luxembourg 1–3 Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland opened their qualifying campaign with a confident performance in Luxembourg. Jamie Reid struck early inside the opening 10 minutes to give the visitors the lead. Luxembourg responded just before the half with a goal from Aiman Dardari. But two quick-fire second-half goals—Shea Charles immediately after half-time and Justin Devenny later on—sealed a 3–1 away victory for Northern Ireland.

Star of the Match: Shea Charles — scored instantly after the restart to restore Northern Ireland’s lead and shift momentum decisively.

Netherlands and Poland Draw Even

Netherlands 1–1 Poland

The Dutch couldn’t quite shake Poland in Rotterdam. The hosts struck first when Denzel Dumfries headed in on 28', but Poland earned a deserved point late as Matty Cash rifled home an equalizer on 80' at Stadion Feijenoord. This match proved to be a result that keeps Group G tight and reminds the Netherlands that control without cutting edge can still cost point.

Star of the Match: Matty Cash — his beautiful goal brought Poland even in a hard-fought battle.

Slovakia Stun Germany

Slovakia 2–0 Germany

The shock of the night came in Bratislava. Germany, heavy favorites, were rocked early when Dávid Hancko struck clinically to give Slovakia the lead. From there, the hosts defended as if their lives depended on it, doubling their advantage through Dávid Strelec just after half-time.

Germany threw everything forward after the break but lacked sharpness in the final third. Questions will be asked of Julian Nagelsmann’s side after such a flat performance, while Slovakia celebrated a famous night that could reshape their campaign.

Star of the Match: Dávid Strelec — sharp, fearless, and clinical; his opener set the tone for Slovakia’s upset.

The Big Picture

This round of fixtures offered a snapshot of Europe’s qualifying landscape:

• Wales and Northern Ireland kept their campaigns alive with gritty away wins.
• Spain and Belgium looked a cut above, their places at the World Cup already looking secure.
• Türkiye showed both brilliance and vulnerability, but their young talent continues to shine.
• Slovakia’s shock win over Germany is the story of the night — one that could change the shape of their group.

With more twists ahead, one thing is certain: in World Cup qualifying, there are no easy nights.