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.

Updated on: 17 November 2025 10:57 am

Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Harry Kane

England's Harry Kane, left, shares hands with England's Dan Burn after the World Cup 2026 group K qualifying soccer match between Albania and England, in Tirana, Albania. | Photo: AP/Vlasov Sulaj

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-

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

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Thomas Tuchel

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

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Harry Kane, Ardian Ismajli

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

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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

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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

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Jarrod Bowen

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

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Bukayo Saka

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

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers- Berat Djimsiti

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

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Albania Vs England World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Jude Bellingham

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