KOSOVO’S UNOFFICIAL WORLD TITLE & UEFA CHALLENGES

In this episode of The Sweeper Podcast, we cover the big stories from 2026 World Cup qualifying and the latest international football news from Europe and beyond:

Part 1: Europe

• Austria’s stadium sinkhole saga continues as Ralf Rangnick takes to an e-bike

• Romania’s Mircea Lucescu becomes the second-oldest international coach ever

• Kosovo are unofficial world champions - but continue to face geopolitical challenges

• Erling Haaland apologises mid-game as Norway beat Moldova by record 11-1 score

• Slovakia and Iceland upset the odds to record famous World Cup qualifying wins

Part 2: Rest of the world

• Suriname turn around their fortunes with sports passport initiative & Dutch DNA

• Bolivia rely on altitude again to give themselves an edge in World Cup qualifying

• Uzbekistan continue incredible year by beating Iran to win 2025 CAFA Nations Cup

• Nepal cancel Bangladesh friendly due to civil unrest & elect new leader on Discord

• Northern Mariana Islands’ U23s face China in one of football’s biggest mismatches