Five amazing moments from the international break

International breaks can be greeted with dread but November’s games produced some unforgettable moments. From underdog tales to new heroes emerging in the colours of their countries, we’ve picked out five of the best.

Parrott becomes Irish icon 

The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of making the 2026 World Cup hung by a thread this month, with big results required against Portugal and Hungary to keep alive their hopes of a first World Cup in over two decades.

The odds were stacked against Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side when Portugal, ranked 57 places above Ireland by FIFA, arrived at Aviva Stadium. What followed was one of The Boys in Green’s best wins of the 21st century, as Troy Parrott’s first-half brace sealed a precious win over the 10-man Portuguese, who had Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.

Somehow, things got even better just three days later. A winner-takes-all showdown with Hungary looked to be heading the home side’s way, as the Hungarians led 2-1 with just 10 minutes to go. Only a win would be enough to keep Irish hopes of a playoff place alive, but Parrott’s second goal of the game – and fourth of the break – set up a grandstand finish.

Troy Parrott, take your place on the pantheon of Irish greats 🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/KATKNMZO4g

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2025

Then, it happened. A long ball from Caoimhín Kelleher was flicked on by Liam Scales in the 96th minute, with Parrott alert to prod past the goalkeeper. Hat-trick. Hero. Pandemonium. Ireland are in the playoffs against all odds.

Haaland heroics end Norway’s World Cup wait

Erling Haaland was in danger of joining the long list of iconic footballers never to have played in a World Cup. Norway had not qualified for the tournament since 1998, while their last major tournament was the same summer (2000) that Haaland was born.

The wait is over, and qualification has been achieved in style. Eight wins from eight games, including emphatic home and away victories over Italy, have booked Norway’s ticket to North America next summer.

Erling Haaland didn’t just top the chart — he 𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐃 everyone behind him. A historic 16 goals in the UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, carrying Norway 🇳🇴 back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

A World Cup they last played in 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣… pic.twitter.com/fLNJjmEYeQ

— 433 (@433) November 19, 2025

Haaland scored 16 goals in those eight games, double the haul of any other player in Europe’s qualifiers. The 25-year-old is a phenomenon and will deservedly grace the biggest stage of all next summer.

McTominay, Tierney and McLean magic sends Scotland to World Cup

Scotland are another side who have ended their wait, securing a World Cup place for the first time in 28 years. The Tartan Army needed to beat Denmark at Hampden Park to qualify and achieved that after an all-time classic.

Scott McTominay delivered his latest ‘I’m him’ moment inside four minutes, as the Napoli midfielder scored an audacious overhead kick to open the scoring.

A see-sawing second half then brought the drama. First, Rasmus Hojlund equalised from the spot after a foul by Andy Robertson, before Denmark defender Rasmus Kristensen saw red to hand the momentum back to Scotland. When Lawrence Shankland steered in Scotland’s second, the game looked won, only for Patrick Dorgu to level for Denmark again.

McTominay. Shanks. KT. The Mayor.

Proof that last night did happen ⤵️#FIFAWorldCup | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/UxXVxieMcg

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 19, 2025

Scotland surged forward for a winner and found it in style. A long ball into the box broke back out to Kieran Tierney, who whipped in a winner. Still, there was time for more. As Denmark gambled bodies forward, Scotland pounced. Kenny McLean lifted his head and spotted Kasper Schmeichel in no man’s land, launching an effort from inside his own half to score. A special, special night for Scotland, littered with magic moments.

Magnificent seven for Wales

Wales wrapped up home advantage for the play-off semi-finals after dismantling North Macedonia 7-1 in a performance head coach Craig Bellamy called ‘close to perfect’.

Harry Wilson hit a hat-trick to lead the charge, with further goals from David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James and Nathan Broadhead sealing a seven-goal success.

A night that will live long in the memory 😇 pic.twitter.com/hOWtd51DJr

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) November 18, 2025

North Macedonia had started the night level on points with Wales and in pursuit of a play-off place of their own, having conceded just three goals in seven games ahead of the trip to Cardiff. The visitors had no answer to Bellamy’s side, however, as Wales scored seven in a single game for the first time in 47 years.