World Cup Roundup: A 40-Year-Old's GOLAZO Highlights Qualifying Action
#World Cup 2026 #UEFA playoffs #Edin Džeko #Karl Darlow #Arda Güler #qualifying matches #soccer goals #veteran players
📌 Key Takeaways
- 40-year-old Edin Džeko scored a decisive goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA World Cup playoffs, highlighting veteran impact.
- The UEFA playoffs saw 26 goals in a high-scoring round, with only four of eight teams advancing to the 2026 World Cup.
- Key performances included Karl Darlow's crucial saves for Wales and Arda Güler's assist for Türkiye, showcasing standout individual efforts.
- The playoffs conclude on Tuesday, determining the final European qualifiers for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup.
📖 Full Retelling
Relief for Italy. Heartbreak for Ireland. And justification for 40-year-old players still creating some epic moments. Thursday's World Cup qualifying action indeed had it all. The penultimate round of the UEFA Playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (which will feature 48 teams this summer) was an absolute golazo fest with 26 goals in a full slate of matches. Only four of the eight teams that are still standing will book a spot in this summer's tournament. Before we look ahead to Tuesday's matches, let's take a look back at the best of the day in FOX Sports' World Cup Roundup: Save of the Day: Karl Darlow, Wales Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow can bow out of World Cup qualifying with his head held high. Not only did he save Bosnia and Herzegovina's first attempt in Thursday's penalty shootout, but he kept the match from ending in regulation with an outstanding save on the line. Goal of the Day: Florent Muslija, Kosovo Kreshnik Hajrizi's match-deciding goal might be the one that goes down in Kosovo history, but it would be a shame if Florent Muslija's free kick got lost in the mix — what a goal. Assist of the Day: Arda Güler, Türkiye If Turkiye clinches its spot in the World Cup, you can expect to see a lot more of Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler. Güler didn't make his way onto the score sheet on Thursday, but he did magnificently setup Ferdi Kadıoğlu's match-winning goal. Best Vintage Performance: Edin Džeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina Edin Dzeko made his first and only appearance at the World Cup in 2014 with Bosnia and Herzegovina at the age of 28. Now 40 years old, Džeko is trying to will his country to its first appearance at the tournament since then, and he got off to a great start with a decisive goal in the semifinals. What's Next The 2026 World Cup European Playoffs will end on Tuesday, with four teams all vying for a spot in this summer's tournament. Here is the full match schedule: The winner of this game will join Group B (co-hosts Canada, Qatar, Switzerland). Th
🏷️ Themes
World Cup Qualifying, Veteran Athletes, Soccer Highlights
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Relief for Italy. Heartbreak for Ireland. And justification for 40-year-old players still creating some epic moments. Thursday's World Cup qualifying action indeed had it all. The penultimate round of the UEFA Playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (which will feature 48 teams this summer) was an absolute golazo fest with 26 goals in a full slate of matches. Only four of the eight teams that are still standing will book a spot in this summer's tournament. Before we look ahead to Tuesday's matches, let's take a look back at the best of the day in FOX Sports' World Cup Roundup: Save of the Day: Karl Darlow, Wales Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow can bow out of World Cup qualifying with his head held high. Not only did he save Bosnia and Herzegovina's first attempt in Thursday's penalty shootout, but he kept the match from ending in regulation with an outstanding save on the line. Goal of the Day: Florent Muslija, Kosovo Kreshnik Hajrizi's match-deciding goal might be the one that goes down in Kosovo history, but it would be a shame if Florent Muslija's free kick got lost in the mix — what a goal. Assist of the Day: Arda Güler, Türkiye If Turkiye clinches its spot in the World Cup, you can expect to see a lot more of Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler. Güler didn't make his way onto the score sheet on Thursday, but he did magnificently setup Ferdi Kadıoğlu's match-winning goal. Best Vintage Performance: Edin Džeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina Edin Dzeko made his first and only appearance at the World Cup in 2014 with Bosnia and Herzegovina at the age of 28. Now 40 years old, Džeko is trying to will his country to its first appearance at the tournament since then, and he got off to a great start with a decisive goal in the semifinals. What's Next The 2026 World Cup European Playoffs will end on Tuesday, with four teams all vying for a spot in this summer's tournament. Here is the full match schedule: The winner of this game will join Group B (co-hosts Canada, Qatar, Switzerland). Th
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