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<p>The much-anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifiers kicked \u00a0off\u00a0 with thrilling action across Europe as national teams competed fiercely in various group stages. Fans witnessed some remarkable performances as well as surprising results right from the start of this qualification campaign.<\/p>\n\n<h2>France Triumphs Against Ukraine<\/h2>\n\n<p>\u00a0France\u00a0 showcased its strength with a convincing \u00a02-0 victory\u00a0 over \u00a0Ukraine\u00a0. The French squad, boasting world-class talents, took the lead early with a goal from \u00a0Michael Ollise\u00a0 in the 10th minute. Later, \u00a0Kylian Mbapp\u00e9\u00a0 sealed the win with a goal in the 82nd minute, demonstrating why France is considered one of the favorites for the tournament.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Greece Displays Dominance<\/h2>\n\n<p>In Group C, \u00a0Greece\u00a0 made a powerful statement, \u00a0defeating Belarus\u00a0 5-1. The game saw an electrifying start with \u00a0Georgia Pavlidis\u00a0 and \u00a0Milorad Karetsans\u00a0 finding the net early on. While Belarus managed to score a consolation goal in the 72nd minute, the match belonged to Greece, who showed their intent to qualify for the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Switzerland and Italy Impress<\/h2>\n\n<p>\u00a0Switzerland\u00a0 also impressed with a stunning \u00a04-0 victory\u00a0 over \u00a0Kosovo\u00a0. Goals from \u00a0Manuel Akanji\u00a0, \u00a0Breel Embolo\u00a0, and \u00a0Kevin Widmer\u00a0 ensured that Switzerland established itself as a dominant force in its group.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0Italy\u00a0, however, faced a tougher challenge against \u00a0Estonia\u00a0. The Azzurri struggled in the first half, but they finally broke through in the second half, scoring five unanswered goals. \u00a0Moise Kean\u00a0, \u00a0Gianluca Raspadori\u00a0, and \u00a0Julio R\u00e9tagui\u00a0 were among those who found the net, with Italy concluding the match with a decisive \u00a05-0\u00a0 scoreline.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Other Memorable Matches<\/h2>\n\n<p>The action didn\u2019t stop there. \u00a0Iceland\u00a0 dominated \u00a0Azerbaijan\u00a0 with a swift \u00a05-0 win\u00a0, featuring a standout performance from \u00a0Johannesson\u00a0, who scored twice. This match further cemented Iceland\u2019s rise in European football.<\/p>\n\n<p>In a more tightly contested affair, \u00a0Denmark\u00a0 and \u00a0Scotland\u00a0 played to a disappointing \u00a00-0 draw\u00a0, while \u00a0Sweden\u00a0 squandered an opportunity for victory against \u00a0Slovenia\u00a0, allowing the match to end in a \u00a02-2 tie\u00a0. Both teams will be looking to capitalize on their next fixtures to recover lost ground in the standings.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Group-by-Group Breakdown of Results<\/h2>\n\n<h3>Group B Results<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Switzerland 4-0 Kosovo:<\/strong> Akanji (22nd), Embolo (25th, 45th), Widmer (39th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Slovenia 2-2 Sweden:<\/strong> Lovric (46th), Vipotnik (90th)\/Elaga (18th), Ayari (73rd)<\/p>\n\n<h3>Group C Results<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Denmark 0-0 Scotland<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Greece 5-1 Belarus:<\/strong> Karetsans (3rd), Pavlidis (17th), Bakasetas (21st), Kourbelis (36th), Tzolis (63rd)\/Barkovskiy (72nd)<\/p>\n\n<h3>Group D Results<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ukraine 0-2 France:<\/strong> Ollise (10th), Mbapp\u00e9 (82nd)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Iceland 5-0 Azerbaijan:<\/strong> Palon (45+2nd), Johannesson (47th, 56th), Gudmundsson (66th), Hlynsson (73rd)<\/p>\n\n<h3>Group I Results<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Moldova 0-4 Israel:<\/strong> D. Peretz (15th), Solomon (35th), Baribo (59th), Gloukh (77th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Italy 5-0 Estonia:<\/strong> Kean (58th), Reteagui (69th, 89th), Raspadori (71st), Bastoni (90+2)<\/p>\n\n<h3>Group L Results<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Montenegro 0-2 Czech Republic:<\/strong> Cerv (3rd), Cerny (96th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Faroese Islands 0-1 Croatia:<\/strong> Kramaric (31st)<\/p>\n\n<p>As the qualification process unfolds, teams are gearing up for intense competition on the road to the 2026 World Cup. The opening day has set the stage for a thrilling series of matches that will keep football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. With established powerhouses displaying their strengths and underdogs showcasing their potential, it's clear that this World Cup qualification campaign promises excitement and drama in equal measure.<\/p><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n