Germany Win, Mbappé Scores in Qualifiers

Germany cruised to a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over 10‑man Luxembourg as captain Joshua Kimmich scored twice (including a penalty) and David Raum and Serge Gnabry also found the net; Luxembourg’s Dirk Carlson was sent off and Germany moved top of Group A on goal difference. Northern Ireland kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Slovakia thanks to a Patrik Hrosovsky own goal and a late Trai Hume volley. France beat Azerbaijan 3-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring on the stroke of half‑time — his 10th consecutive game with a goal for club and country — leaving Les Bleus unbeaten and top of Group D. Cristiano Ronaldo said he will continue playing despite family pleas to retire and is chasing 1,000 career goals, reportedly 54 goals short, aiming to close the gap in upcoming 2026 qualifiers against Ireland and Hungary. Off the field, Bloomberg estimates Ronaldo’s net worth at about $1.4 billion — making him the first footballer valued as a billionaire — a figure reportedly boosted by an Al‑Nassr contract extension, and he has hinted he may prioritize international football over club duties.