FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: England Blank Albania 2-0, Notch Up Eighth Straight Win
England ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a 100% record by beating second-placed Albania 2-0 on Sunday (November 16, 2025). England won their eight games in Group K and didn't concede a single goal. The Three Lions' all-time leading scorer Harry Kane got both goals to extend his record to 78. The Bayern Munich forward struck twice in eight minutes in the second half to break Albania's resistance. Victory ended Thomas Tuchel's first qualifying campaign as coach in perfect style after the German was hired to lead England at the World Cup, with the challenge of ending its decades-long wait for a major trophy.
A fan of England cheers for his national team during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's coach Thomas Tuchel leaves the pitch after the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's Harry Kane, left, and Albania's Ardian Ismajli go for the ball during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's Harry Kane, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's Harry Kane, center, scores his side's second goal as Albania's Naser Aliji, left, and Berat Djimsiti try to stop him during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's Jarrod Bowen, left, goes for the ball as Albania's Myrto Uzuni falls during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's Bukayo Saka makes an attempt to score during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
Albania's Berat Djimsiti heads the ball during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
England's Jude Bellingham reacts during the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj
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