Africa produced the biggest drama, as Cape Verde stunned Cameroon to qualify for the first time, joining continental heavyweights Egypt, Ghana, and Senegal.
“Yesterday I asked him if he was ready to play, and he said yes. It’s always a joy for us,” said coach Lionel Scaloni, praising his captain’s readiness and leadership.
Ronaldo netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, overtaking retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 between 1998 and 2016.
Over 1,000 police officers and army personnel were deployed while helicopters and drones flew overhead to keep a watch on a demonstration which was kept several kilometres away from the Bluenergy Stadium hosting the Group I fixture, won 3-0 by Italy.
Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian demonstrations prefaced Italy's vital win over Israel and Spain took another step towards qualification with a big victory against Bulgaria.
France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, were without a host of players in Reykjavik including captain Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, both out injured.
Iceland, with a population of around 340,000, became the smallest country to qualify for the global showpiece when they reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Azzurri host Israel on Tuesday in Udine, a small city which will be the scene of a massive security operation with a pro-Palestinian demonstration set take place.
To play in the main stage of the AFC Asian Cup, the outcome of the return match against Hong Kong, China will determine the future of the team.
Iceland, with a population of around 340,000, became the smallest country to qualify for the global showpiece when they reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Azzurri host Israel on Tuesday in Udine, a small city which will be the scene of a massive security operation with a pro-Palestinian demonstration set take place.
To play in the main stage of the AFC Asian Cup, the outcome of the return match against Hong Kong, China will determine the future of the team.
No country has ever won the World Cup with a foreign-born coach but Carlo Ancelotti said Monday that there was "always a first time" as he eyes glory with Brazil.
It will be the fifth appearance by the Black Stars in the global showpiece.
Zidane, who scored twice in France's 1998 World Cup final win over Brazil, led Real Madrid to three Champions League titles in his only previous senior head coaching role.
Norway, who have not played at a major tournament since Euro 2000, now lead Group I with nine points more than second-placed Italy, who have two games in hand and play in Estonia later Saturday.
Kylian Mbappe will miss Monday's qualifier in Iceland where France could book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after taking another knock to his sore right ankle, the French team confirmed.
Germany's Joshua Kimmich netted twice to power his side to a 4-0 home win over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier on Friday where the visitors went down to 10 men in the first half and the hosts moved top of the standings in a tight Group A.
France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup.
