10-0 thrashing in European qualifiers, strikers on fire and more

The European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup resumed this Thursday (9th), with eight matches played across four groups.

Including a resounding 10-0 victory over the team ranked lowest in the FIFA Rankings.

There were also surprising results, some frustrating ones, and more.

Highlights also include decisive performances from strikers and yet another goal for record-holder Memphis.

Check out the best moments below.

Regulations 📝

Only the winner of each of the 12 groups will qualify directly for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The 12 teams finishing second in their respective groups will be joined by the four best Nations League teams that did not finish first or second in the qualifiers for a playoff that will secure four more spots.

🇧🇾 Belarus 0 x 6 Denmark 🇩🇰

The already expected Danish victory was just a matter of time. Froholdt (14'), Hojlund (19' and 45'), and Dorgu (51') scored in the first half.

Dreyer (66' and 78') completed the rout.

Hojlund, who left United for Napoli, has now scored seven goals in nine games for club and country since September 5.

📸 ATTILA KISBENEDEK - AFP or licensors

Denmark moved up to seven points to lead Group C thanks to a superior goal difference.

🏴 Scotland 3 x 1 Greece 🇬🇷

The first half saw a superior Greece. But no goals in Glasgow.

The deserved Greek goal came in the 62nd minute, with Tsimikas.

But the Scottish equalizer came soon after thanks to Christie (64').

Ferguson (80') secured the comeback. And Dykes (93') extended the lead.

📸 Ian MacNicol - 2025 Getty Images

This result took Scotland to the same seven points as Denmark, but with a lower goal difference (four versus seven).

🇦🇹 Austria 10 x 0 San Marino 🇸🇲

Austria settled things in the first half.

Schmid (7'), Arnautovic (8'), Gregoritsch (24'), and Posch (30' and 42') and Laimer (45') ensured the rout by halftime.

Arnautovic (47', 83', and 84') and Wurmbrand (76') sealed the 10-0 after the break.

Every outfield player who started the match contributed to at least one goal.

Every Austria outfield player has a goal contribution tonight vs San Marino. 🇦🇹✅ pic.twitter.com/dzUN5eZ8pt

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 9, 2025

Austria remains the leader of Group H with a 100% record after their fifth match in the group.

San Marino, last in the FIFA Rankings (position 210), remains pointless.

They have now conceded 28 goals and scored just one.

🇨🇾 Cyprus 2 x 2 Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦

The hosts frustrated Bosnia.

Who had taken a good lead with Katic (10') and Michail (own goal-36').

Laifis pulled one back for Cyprus (46') before halftime.

And Pittas, converting a penalty in the 96th minute, prevented the visitors from reaching the same 15 points as the aforementioned Austria.

Bosnia reached 13 points. And complicated their quest for direct qualification.

They still have a head-to-head clash, but away from home.

🇨🇿 Czech Republic 0 x 0 Croatia 🇭🇷

There was plenty of anticipation for the clash in Prague.

Led by Modric, the Croatians had more possession.

But both sides lacked finishing and intensity.

The draw kept Croatia at the top of Group L.

They have the same 13 points as the Czech Republic, but a superior goal difference (16 versus five) and one game in hand.

🇫🇴 Faroe Islands 4 x 0 Montenegro 🇲🇪

The hosts claimed a big win in a direct duel for third place. And the right to dream of the playoffs.

Sorensen (16' and 55') and Frederiksberg (36' and 71') scored.

The Faroe Islands moved up to nine points, leaving Montenegro with six.

🇲🇹 Malta 0 x 4 Netherlands 🇳🇱

📸 ALBERTO PIZZOLI - AFP or licensors

With no difficulty and against a weak opponent, the Netherlands secured a routine victory.

But Malta almost took the lead after a Van Dijk error that Mbong failed to capitalize on.

Gakpo scored from the penalty spot (12' and 48') and Reijnders (57') after a pass from the Liverpool striker.

Brought on in the 67th minute, Memphis Depay, the Netherlands' all-time top scorer, found the net soon after following a cross into the box.

He now has 53 goals in 105 matches.

The Netherlands moved up to 13 points after five games and remain leaders of Group G. Poland, who have a bye this round, have ten.

🇫🇮 Finland 2 x 1 Lithuania 🇱🇹

The hosts were surprised in the first half by a goal from Sirvys (25'), but Kallman (48') and Markhiev (55') secured the comeback in Helsinki.

This result took Finland to ten points in six games. They remain behind Lewa & Co.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 GEORG HOCHMUTH