Bayern’s players had their final games of the current international break on Tuesday evening, producing several positive results in qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Here’s a round-up of what happened.
Kane opens scoring in Serbia
England made it five wins from five in World Cup qualifying thanks to a 5-0 win in Serbia. Harry Kane opened the scoring for Thomas Tuchel’s side, stooping low to head in a corner after 33 minutes. Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marcu Guehi and a Marcus Rashford penalty rounded off a good evening for the Three Lions in Belgrade.
“We’re happy with how we performed,” said Kane, who captained the team until his substitution in the 76th minute. “It wasn’t always easy against an opponent who defended with 11 men and who we had to break through and remain patient.” England are now well placed to book a place at the World Cup, leading Group K by seven points over Albania with three games left to play.
Laimer fires Austria to victory
Konrad Laimer netted the winner as Austria took an important step closer to a place at the World Cup by beating Group H leaders Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in Zenica. Former Bayern man Marcel Sabitzer had put Ralf Rangnick’s side ahead before Edin Dzeko’s immediate response for the hosts. Laimer then pounced inside the box with 25 minutes to go.
The result draws Austria level at the top of the group with a perfect record of four wins from four and with a game in hand on Bosnia. “The win means it’s all in our own hands,” Rangnick said looking ahead to his team’s final four matches. Laimer & Co. host San Marino in their next match on 9 October before going to Romania three days later.
Olise & Upamecano beat Iceland
Despite going behind and being a man down, France made it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying. Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano both played the full 90 minutes of the 2-1 victory over Iceland in Paris. Andri Gudjohnsen had put the visitors ahead midway through the first half, before Kylian Mbappe’s penalty restored parity on the stroke of half-time. Bardley Barcola gave France the lead after the hour mark, but they had to play the final period with 10 men after Aurelien Tchouameni’s red card in the 68th minute. Les Bleus now lead the four-team Group D with six points.
Díaz’s Colombia finish on a high
Having already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup last week, Colombia finished South American qualifying with a thrilling 6-3 win in Venezuela. Luis Díaz played the full 90 minutes and set up one of the goals in Maturín. The standout performer was Colombia’s Luis Suárez of Sporting Lisbon – one of Bayern’s opponents in the Champions League – with four goals. Los Cafeteros finish qualifying in third place behind Argentina and Ecuador.
Jackson scores in Senegal comeback
Nicolas Jackson’s Senegal came from 2-0 down to claim a vital win away at DR Congo in qualifying for the World Cup. The new Bayern forward started and scored the equaliser during his 77 minutes of action in Kinshasa. The 3-2 win takes Senegal above DR Congo to the top of Group B with 18 points from eight games, with two left to play.
Kim draws with Mexico
Minjae Kim’s South Korea were among the first countries to book their place at next summer’s World Cup. They’ve spent this international break playing friendlies against two of the host nations in the USA. The Bayern defender played the whole game as South Korea drew 2-2 with Mexico in Nashville on Tuesday evening.
Defeat for Klanac’s U19s
Teenage goalkeeper Leon Klanac was beaten 1-0 with Germany’s U19s in a friendly against Croatia. The 18-year-old played the first 45 minutes and was unable to keep out what was ultimately the decisive penalty shortly before half-time.
Josip Stanišić’s Croatia also claimed a win in World Cup qualifying on Monday:
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