If Italy get through that match on March 26 next year, they will play the winner of Wales's semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina five days later.

Estevao, who also scored on Saturday against Senegal, stepped up to net his fifth international goal.

Scotland's late show in Glasgow means Steve Clarke's side have qualified for the global footballing showpiece for the first time since 1998.

A nerve-shredding finale to the CONCACAF qualifying campaign saw Curacao -- with a population of just 156,000 -- squeeze into next year's final.

In Malta, Poland were given a scare on the way to a victory which ultimately did not lift them out of second place.

European champions Spain will qualify if they avoid an unlikely seven-goal defeat at home to Turkey.

Portugal will reach the 2026 World Cup finals with a victory and Ronaldo said if the crowd focused on him it could take pressure off his team-mates.

"Honestly, I still can't believe what we've achieved," said Mendes.

Africa produced the biggest drama, as Cape Verde stunned Cameroon to qualify for the first time, joining continental heavyweights Egypt, Ghana, and Senegal.

The win secured the top spot for Argentina in the CONMEBOL standings.