2026 FIFA WCQ: Who Can Qualify for 2026 World Cup in Next Round of European Qualifiers
The excitement is building as the penultimate round of European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, taking place from Thursday to Saturday.
Critical Matches and Potential Qualifiers
Group A: Germany, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg
While no team will qualify in this round, Luxembourg has already been eliminated from contention for the top two positions that offer either direct qualification or a playoff opportunity.
Group B: Switzerland, Kosovo, Slovenia, Sweden
Switzerland stands on the brink of qualifying for their sixth consecutive World Cup. If they defeat struggling Sweden on Saturday, they will secure their place, provided Kosovo does not beat Slovenia. A draw against Sweden would also suffice if Kosovo loses.
Group C: Denmark, Scotland, Greece, Belarus
This group has already seen Denmark and Scotland confirmed as the top two teams, so no further qualification will occur in the next round.
Group D: France, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan
Two-time World Cup champions France will qualify with a victory over Ukraine on Thursday, adding another chapter to their illustrious tournament history.
Group E: Spain, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria
European champions Spain can secure their World Cup spot by defeating Georgia on Saturday, provided that Turkey fails to beat the already-eliminated Bulgaria. A draw against Georgia would also guarantee top placement if Turkey loses.
Group F: Portugal, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia
Portugal can solidify their ticket to the finals with a win over Ireland on Thursday. A draw would also qualify them if Hungary does not triumph against Armenia.
Group G: Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta
The Netherlands will ensure their qualification with a win over Poland on Friday, while Lithuania and Malta have already been ruled out of the top two positions.
Group H: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cyprus, San Marino
Austria can claim first place in the group by defeating Cyprus on Saturday, provided Bosnia and Herzegovina does not win against Romania.
Group I: Norway, Italy, Israel, Estonia, Moldova
Norway is looking to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. They can achieve this with a victory over Estonia if Italy does not win against Moldova. A win would give Norway a significant edge, thanks to their superior goal difference over the four-time World Cup champions, Italy.
Group J: Belgium, North Macedonia, Wales, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein
Belgium will secure their spot with a win in Kazakhstan on Saturday, leaving North Macedonia and Wales to battle for second place.
Group K: England, Albania, Serbia, Latvia, Andorra
England has already qualified. Albania can ensure a playoff spot if they defeat Andorra and Serbia loses to England.
Group L: Croatia, Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Gibraltar
Croatia needs only to avoid defeat against the Faroe Islands on Friday to clinch the top spot in the group, while a loss would eliminate the Faroes from contention.
