The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching its thrilling climax across Europe. While England have already secured their passage, becoming the first European nation to do so last month, a host of footballing giants and underdogs are locked in tense battles for the remaining automatic qualification spots and coveted playoff places.
The Final Push for Qualification
Over the next week, nations will play their final two qualifying matches, with everything from historic failures to fairytale stories on the line. The group winners qualify automatically for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, while the 12 best runners-up enter the playoffs in March, joined by four Nations League performers.
Group-by-Group Breakdown
Group A: A potential catastrophe looms for four-time champions Germany. After a shock opening loss to Slovakia, Julian Nagelsmann's side lead only on goal difference. They face Luxembourg before a potential winner-takes-all showdown with Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday. Northern Ireland, already assured a playoff, could play a decisive role.
Group B: Switzerland can seal their World Cup place on Saturday if they better Kosovo's result. All eyes will be on Sweden, who will be led for the first time by their new head coach, Graham Potter.
Group C: It's a straight shootout between Denmark and Scotland for the automatic spot. Steve Clarke's Scotland trail on goal difference, making their trip to face already-eliminated Greece crucial before hosting Denmark at Hampden Park.
Group D: France, with a playoff secured via the Nations League, need just a point against Ukraine to virtually guarantee top spot. The battle for second involves Ukraine, Iceland, and an outside chance for Azerbaijan.
Group E: Spain are on the verge of qualification and could seal it on Saturday. Turkey need a point to guarantee a playoff, setting up a tense final match against the Spanish, who thrashed them 6-0 in September.
Group F: Portugal were denied early qualification by a last-gasp Hungarian equaliser. They need two points from games against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia. Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, and Armenia are fighting for the playoff place.
Group G: The Netherlands lead Poland by three points with a far superior goal difference. Poland's slim hopes rest on beating the Dutch in Warsaw and hoping for a favour from Lithuania. Finland have a remote chance of a playoff.
Group H: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania are all in contention. Austria can qualify with a win over Cyprus if Bosnia fail to beat Romania. Intriguingly, San Marino could still secure a playoff spot via their Nations League performance if Romania finish second.
Group I: This group features one of the most compelling narratives. Norway, led by the prolific Erling Haaland, lead Italy by three points and boast a staggering +26 goal difference. A win against Estonia would all but seal their qualification, leaving Italy needing maximum points and a Norwegian collapse to avoid the playoffs.
Group J: Belgium need one win from two games to qualify automatically. Wales are assured a playoff but are battling North Macedonia for second place, which would grant them a more favourable playoff draw.
Group K: With England qualified, the drama focuses on the fight for second between Albania and Serbia. Serbia likely need a positive result at Wembley on Thursday to keep their hopes alive.
Group L: Croatia need just a point from their final two games against the Faroe Islands or Montenegro to qualify. The Czech Republic have a mathematical but highly improbable chance of catching them.
The Playoff Picture
The playoff draw on 20 November will determine the paths for the final four European qualifiers. The 12 group runners-up will be joined by the four best-ranked Nations League group winners not already in the top two. As it stands, Wales, Romania, Sweden, and Northern Ireland occupy these spots, but Moldova and San Marino could yet sneak in. The 16 teams will be seeded into four separate paths, with single-leg semi-finals and finals deciding Europe's final representatives in March.
The stage is set for a week of high drama, where legends will be made, dreams will be shattered, and the final pieces of the European puzzle for the 2026 World Cup will fall into place.
