France, Belgium qualify for World Cup
France and Belgium won their respective matches Saturday to book their tickets to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Kylian Mbappe starred with four goals and provided two assists to propel defending World Cup champion France to a dominating 8-0 victory against Kazakhstan.
The Paris Saint-Germain star recorded his first international hat-trick inside the opening 32 minutes before setting up Karim Benzema's two goals in the second half. Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann also scored before Mbappe capped off the night with his fourth tally in the 87th minute.
With the win, France secured top spot in Group D with one match remaining.
Meanwhile, top-ranked Belgium returns to the World Cup after cruising past Estonia, 3-1. Christian Benteke, Yannick Carrasco, and Thorgan Hazard scored to help the Red Devils seal first place in Group E.
HEADLINES
- Menotti, architect of Argentina's 1978 World Cup win, dies at 85
- Report: Canada contacts Solskjaer, Marsch after Mourinho rejects approach
- FIFA president Infantino to earn $4.6M after getting 33% raise
- MetLife Stadium gets 2026 World Cup final as schedule unveiled
- Beckenbauer laid to rest during private ceremony in Munich