2026 World Cup Qualifier: Final sprint in Europe

Here is the current state of affairs for the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup Teams from the UEFA zone (Europe). Group-by-group update (A to L), with two matchdays remaining in European qualification for the 2026 World Cup. England is—at this stage—the only UEFA nation already qualified directly as group winner. Final group stage window: 13–18 November 2025.
UEFA qualifying match schedule: UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier

As of today, there are still 15 qualifying spots available in Europe for the 2026 World Cup.

Official FIFA website: Worldcup 2026

Reminder to obtain CDM 2026 qualification

The 12 group winners qualify directly for the World Cup. The 12 runners-up, plus the four best group winners from the 2024/25 Nations League who did not finish in the top two of their group, will play in the playoffs. The playoff draw will take place at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on 20 November 2025. Sixteen teams will be drawn into four groups.

The 2026 World Cup Qualifying Playoff Matches

The semi-finals will be held at the venues of the eight best runners-up from the qualifying groups, while the hosts for the four finals will be drawn at random. The semi-finals will be played on 26 March 2026 and the finals on 31 March 2026. The winners of each path will qualify for the World Cup.

Play-offs in this format, in 4 groups of 4 teams

The winners of the semi-finals face off in the final, and the winner of the final qualifies! So out of 16 teams that will compete in the playoffs, four will be able to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers – Current status of the 12 UEFA group standings

For each group: Situation, ranking and "who needs what" to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Swiss Group B

Switzerland is in a favorable position, a victory against the Suede or a better result than Kosovo, who will be facing Slovenia at the same time, would mean qualification for the Swiss national team.
Rankings and results of the 2026 World Championships Switzerland has qualified for the 2026 World Cup – fingers crossed!

Swiss (1st): Direct qualification within reach, a misstep would reignite the fight.

Kosovo (2nd): solid for the playoffs, still a (small) chance for 1st place.

Slovenia (3rd): must win + rely on favorable results.

Suede (4th): narrow path, mandatory victory and outside help.

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Group A - Germany

Germany in the lead, Slovakia close behind

Solid without being dazzling, the Germans have taken control and can seal the deal at home during their final match. Slovakia remains in the rearview mirror and is aiming for at least a playoff spot. Northern Ireland and Luxembourg will play the role of final spoilers. 

Germany (1st): controls its destiny for 1st place.

Slovakia (2nd): at least in a good position for the playoffs, can still overtake Germany.

Northern Ireland (3rd): must win everything and hope for slip-ups ahead.

Luxembourg (4th): already eliminated from 1st place, playing for pride.

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Group C – Denmark

Denmark and Scotland have secured at least a playoff spot and will battle for direct qualification at the finish line. Greece dropped too many points, while Belarus is at the bottom of the table.

Denmark (1st): Direct qualification to be secured with a great finish.

Scotland (2nd): holds 2nd place, can still aim for 1st place depending on cross-results.

Greece (3e): zero margin of error.

Belarus (4th): almost doomed, needs a perfect scenario.

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Group D – France

The 2018 World Cup champions, France, are managing their lead with composure. Ukraine, tenacious as ever, remain hopeful of first place but are also thinking about the playoffs. Iceland have had mixed results, while Azerbaijan are simply not up to scratch. 

France (1st): favorite to secure 1st place from J9 onwards.

Ukraine (2nd): very well placed for the playoffs, watching for the slightest French misstep.

Iceland (3rd): must win both of its matches and hope.

Azerbaijan (4th): end of the journey mainly for honor. 

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Group E – Spain

Four matches, four wins, zero goals conceded: La Roja are cruising and can secure qualification as soon as the tournament resumes. Turkey holds second place, ahead of a courageous but inconsistent Georgia. Bulgaria is lagging behind.

Spain (1st): close to the direct ticket.

Türkiye (2nd): in the playoff column, can still play for 1st place.

Georgia (3rd): outsider, needs a flawless performance.

Bulgaria (4th): practically out of the race. 

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Group F – Portugal

Rational and efficient, Portugal gained the upper hand in a tricky group. Hungary remains in contention and should at least reach the playoffs. Ireland paid dearly for their minor errors, while Armenia missed their chance on home soil. 

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Portugal (1st): in control for direct qualification.

Hungary (2nd): very good for the playoffs, aiming for a Trafalgar-like move for 1st place.

Ireland (3rd): must take 6/6 and rely on the others.

Armenia (4th): complicated trajectory.

Group G – Netherlands

After a poor start, the Dutch now find their stride and enter the final sprint against a tenacious Poland. Finland can still turn things around if they have a successful November. Lithuania and Malta are further behind. 

The Netherlands (1st): Direct qualification in sight, two good results would suffice.

Poland (2nd): favorite for 2nd place, still in the running for 1st.

Finland (3rd): must win and hope for a Polish/Dutch slip-up.

Lithuania / Malta : almost no more options, except in a miraculous scenario.

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Group H – Austria

Led by a mature generation of players, Austria has pulled away from the pack. Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina are vying for second place, with goal difference potentially proving decisive. Cyprus and San Marino bring up the rear. 

Austria (1st): well on track for the direct ticket.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (2nd): holds 2nd place under Romanian pressure.

Romania (3rd): must put the series.

Cyprus / San Marino They play for honor.

Group I – Norway, Italy

Led by a rampant Haaland, Norway made a strong statement and are aiming for direct qualification. Italy, despite a shaky start, remain in contention and still control their own qualification fate, at least through the playoffs. Israel and Estonia suffered setbacks, while Moldova are even further behind. 

Norway (1st): controls its destiny for direct qualification.

Italy (2nd): at least playoffs, still in contention for 1st place.

Israel (3rd): must win and watch for missteps.

Estonia / Moldova : margin almost zero.

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Group J – Belgium

Spectacular but sometimes fragile, Belgium has regained the lead and still has a comfortable margin. Wales remains a threat, while North Macedonia and Kazakhstan could upset the established order depending on the other results. 

Belgium (1st): in a position of strength to secure 1st place.

North Macedonia (2nd): surprises, but under Welsh threat.

Wales (3rd): must finish very strong.

Kazakhstan / Liechtenstein : mission almost impossible. 

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Group K – England

Six points out of six, no goals conceded: England secured their place in the next round back in October. Behind them, Albania and Serbia battled for the playoff spot right up to the final whistle of the group stage.

England : 2026 World Cup Qualifier already in my pocket (1st insured).

Albania (2nd): holds the playoffs, still in duel with Serbia.

Serbia (3rd): must take points against the big teams to snatch 2nd place.

Latvia / Andorra : elimination near. 

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Group L – Croatia

A regular at major tournaments, Croatia has taken the lead. The Czech Republic remains close behind and could still overtake everyone in the final week. The Faroe Islands retain a slim hope of securing second place, but this would require a major upset against Croatia; Montenegro and Gibraltar are out of contention.

Croatia (1st): direct qualification within reach.

Czech Republic (2nd): solid for the playoffs, aiming for the upset to take 1st place.

Faroe Islands / Montenegro They must win and hope.

Gibraltar : practically out of the running. 

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