A crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier pits England against Serbia, with both nations battling for vital points on their challenging road to qualification.
England, having already secured qualification with a perfect record in Group K, hosts Serbia at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier where the visitors must avoid defeat under new management to keep their play-off hopes alive.
England will host Serbia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday for a 2026 World Cup qualifier, a match with significant stakes for the visiting side, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions have already cemented their spot at the World Cup, maintaining a flawless record in Group K with six wins, 18 goals scored, and zero conceded.
In contrast, Serbia sits third in the group, trailing second-placed Albania by just one point. Anything less than a victory could mathematically end Serbia’s play-off hopes if Albania wins their concurrent fixture.
The Wembley clash marks the debut for Serbia’s new manager, Veljko Paunović, who takes over after Dragan Stojković’s resignation.
Paunović stated that his first job is to instil “the belief that we can get a result against England that will leave us with a chance of having a playoff against Latvia” in his players.
England, who previously beat Serbia 5-0 in the reverse fixture, will be without Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope due to withdrawal, and Marc Guéhi is an injury doubt.
However, Tuchel assured reporters there will be no “experimentation” and that Elliot Anderson, who “feels no pain” and is “a key player,” is available for selection. Serbia is missing key forward Aleksandar Mitrović due to injury.