England One Win from Perfect World Cup Qualifying Campaign

England Chase Perfection in World Cup Qualifying Finale

England are on the brink of a historic milestone as they prepare to face Albania in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Seven games, 20 goals scored, none conceded – Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are within touching distance of an immaculate campaign.

Victory on Sunday (17:00 GMT) would make England the first European team in history to win at least six qualifiers without conceding a single goal.

England’s Road to Dominance

England’s 100% record so far includes 20 goals across seven matches. While Spain and Norway also remain perfect, only Luis de la Fuente’s Spain have matched England’s feat of conceding zero goals.

A win over Albania would place England among an elite group of European nations – only Germany (2018), Spain and the Netherlands (2010), and West Germany (1982) have previously qualified with a perfect record.

Pickford: The Wall Behind the Streak

England have yet to concede a competitive goal under Thomas Tuchel

Jordan Pickford has been a standout performer, setting two new national records:

10 consecutive clean sheets for England, surpassing Gordon Banks’ record of 7
9 competitive clean sheets in a row, also a national best

The Everton goalkeeper last conceded in October 2024 against Greece. Since then, he has gone over 800 minutes without letting in a goal for England.

Historic Win Rate and Defensive Records

England haven’t lost a World Cup qualifier since 2009 – a 1-0 defeat to Ukraine that came after qualification was already secured. Since then:

38 qualifiers unbeaten (30 wins, 8 draws)
111 goals scored, only 10 conceded
1 goal conceded every 342 minutes

Tuchel’s side are also chasing Spain’s continental record of 10 consecutive competitive wins without conceding. England are currently on 9.

Best Goal Run in Over a Century

England have scored in 19 consecutive matches, netting 46 goals – their best scoring run since 1908.

The streak began with Jude Bellingham’s last-minute equaliser against Slovakia at Euro 2024 and continues to showcase the balance between England’s defensive solidity and attacking flair.

Year to Remember

A win on Sunday would give England 9 wins from 10 matches in 2025, with only a 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal marring their perfect record.

If successful, it would mark only the third time in modern history that England have achieved a 90% win rate in a calendar year – the best since 1946.

What’s at Stake vs Albania?

A clean sheet + win: First European team ever to win 6+ World Cup qualifiers without conceding
A win alone: Join the elite group of 100% qualification records
Clean sheet: Equal Spain’s all-time European record for most competitive wins without conceding