European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Format of the Qualifiers
The European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup bring several changes compared to previous editions. A total of 54 European national teams are competing for 16 spots that lead to the final tournament. The qualifiers are divided into 12 groups: six groups with four teams each and six groups with five teams each. The winners of each group secure direct qualification to the World Cup, while the runners-up, together with the four best teams from the Nations League that have not already secured qualification, participate in the playoffs for the remaining four spots.
Qualifier Draw
The draw for the qualification groups was held on December 13, 2024, in Zurich. The national teams were distributed into groups based on the Nations League results and FIFA ranking. Due to some teams participating in the Nations League finals, the final line-ups of some groups will be known after those matches are played. The groups are expected to be extremely competitive, considering that many European national teams are among the best in the world.
Match Schedule
The qualification cycle begins in March 2025 for groups with five teams, while groups with four teams start in September 2025. The matches will be played during international windows, and the group stage is scheduled to conclude in November 2025. The playoffs for the remaining spots will take place in March 2026, and the winners of that process will secure qualification to the World Cup final tournament.
Participants and Groups
A total of 54 European national teams participate in the qualifiers, while Russia is suspended from the competition. The groups are formed by a combination of seeding and Nations League results, which has led to interesting and competitive groups. It is expected that teams from Seeded Group 1 will have an advantage, but history has shown that surprises are always possible. Each group offers a series of intriguing encounters between traditional football powers and national teams that want to prove their strength on the international stage.
Favorites and Key Teams
- France – A team that has dominated European and world football in recent years. With a strong squad and top young talents, the French are one of the main favorites in the qualifiers.
- Germany – A traditional football power that, despite some weaker results in recent years, always remains one of the favorites. The German football school is known for its discipline and tactical maturity.
- Spain – A national team known for its attractive and technically superior style of play. Their goal is to secure direct qualification without major difficulties, and young players such as Pedri and Gavi bring a new dimension to their game.
- Italy – The current European champions, who missed the previous World Cup. They will surely have a strong motivation to return to the big stage and confirm their quality.
- England – The English have one of the strongest teams on paper, with young stars playing in the best European clubs. Their defense and midfield provide stability, while their attacking potential is showcased by players such as Harry Kane and Phil Foden.
Unexpected Challengers
Besides the traditional favorites, the European qualifiers often bring surprises. Lesser-known national teams with talented players and a good tactical approach can upset the giants. Some of the national teams that could surprise include:
- Denmark – After an excellent performance at the European Championship, Denmark has proven to be a serious contender for qualification to major tournaments.
- Switzerland – A disciplined and tactically strong team that eliminated several big favorites in the previous qualifiers.
- Serbia – A team with a talented attack and increasingly better results in recent cycles.
- Poland – If their key player, Robert Lewandowski, remains in top form, the Poles could be a serious candidate for qualification.
- Ukraine – Although going through challenging conditions, their national team always shows incredible fighting spirit and can be an unpredictable opponent.
Team Preparations
National teams across Europe have already begun preparations for the upcoming qualifiers. Many teams use friendly matches and tournaments to test tactics and player form. Coaches analyze opponents and plan strategies to secure the best possible position in the groups. Additionally, many national teams are undergoing a generational change, so the qualifiers will be an opportunity for new talents to establish themselves.
How Will the Change in the World Cup Format Affect the European Qualifiers?
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to include 48 national teams, which means an increased number of spots for European teams. Instead of the previous 13 spots, Europe will now have 16 representatives. This expansion could allow some national teams that have so far been on the fringe of qualification to finally reach the final tournament. However, the question remains as to how the expansion will affect the quality of the tournament and whether the increase in the number of matches will impact player fatigue.
Expectations and Forecasts
Given the changes in the format and the increased number of participants in the final tournament, the qualifiers are expected to be extremely competitive. Traditional football powers such as Germany, Spain, France, and Italy remain the favorites for direct qualification, but many other national teams see their opportunity in the new format. Fans across Europe eagerly await the start of the qualifiers and hope for the success of their national teams.
The Biggest Qualifier Derbies
The European qualifiers always bring spectacular clashes between the biggest football nations. Exciting matches with a high level of competitive spirit are expected, and some of the most interesting encounters include:
- Germany – Netherlands: These two football powers have a long history of rivalry. Germany will try to use experience and home support, while the Dutch will seek an opportunity to showcase their attacking strength.
- France – Italy: The clash between former world and European champions always brings attractive football and high tension.
- England – Spain: England will rely on young stars and solid defense, while Spain will use a technically superior style of play.
- Portugal – Serbia: After Serbia managed to beat Portugal in previous qualifiers, the new clashes will be full of uncertainty.
- Croatia – Denmark: Both teams have shown strength in recent major tournaments and this encounter could be crucial for qualification.
Analysis of the Playing Styles of the Strongest National Teams
Each national team in the qualifiers has its own distinctive style of play that can help or hinder them in the fight for qualification. Some of the most interesting tactical approaches include:
- Germany – Emphasis on organized defense, quick transitions, and a solid midfield. Their ability to play under pressure often brings an advantage in key matches.
- Spain – They nurture a style of play based on ball possession, short passes, and technically precise attacks.
- Italy – Defensive stability and the ability to create opportunities from set-pieces are their main weapons.
- France – A combination of top individual qualities and rapid attacking actions.
- Portugal – A strong midfield with creative players and offensive threats such as Cristiano Ronaldo and young talents.
The Impact of the Nations League on the Qualifiers
The UEFA Nations League has become an important factor in the European qualifiers, as it provides additional chances for qualification to major tournaments. Teams that have not succeeded through the standard qualifying groups can earn a spot in the playoffs through the Nations League.
This means that many teams that have achieved good results in the Nations League will have an additional opportunity to secure a spot in the World Cup. The format allows national teams that may not have had luck in the qualifiers to still fight for their place in the tournament through the playoffs.
Top Scorers and Key Players
In addition to team performances, individual performances of players will be key to success in the qualifiers. The following players are expected to play key roles for their national teams:
- Kylian Mbappe (France): His speed and finishing make him the most dangerous forward in Europe.
- Harry Kane (England): The English captain is the leader of his team and one of the best scorers in Europe.
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland): If Poland wants to secure qualification, his goal-scoring performance will be decisive.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): His vision and precise passing make him a key player for Belgium.
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal): The Portuguese player is one of the most creative midfielders and can turn matches with his assists and goals.
The Factor of Home Advantage
Home advantage and fan support are often key factors in the qualifying matches. History shows that national teams that are particularly strong at home have better chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Examples of teams known for their strong home advantage:
- Turkey: The atmosphere in their stadiums often makes it difficult for visiting teams to earn points.
- Serbia: Their fans create great noise and support, making them formidable hosts.
- Scotland: Traditionally strong at Hampden Park, where they have already achieved several big wins.
- Greece: Although not favorites, their home match always presents a challenge for opponents.
The Impact of Referees and VAR Technology
The qualifiers will once again use VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology to avoid controversial decisions. The introduction of VAR has already reduced the number of unjust decisions, but it also brings controversies, especially in situations that are on the edge of interpretation.
In previous qualifiers, VAR was crucial in several situations, and it is expected that it will play a major role in determining the winners of matches this year as well.
How Will Weather Conditions Affect the Qualifiers?
Weather conditions often play a role in the qualifiers. Scandinavian national teams have an advantage when playing at home during the cold months, while Southern European teams are known for their good performances in warmer conditions.
Matches played in winter conditions in Nordic countries, such as Norway and Sweden, are often challenging for visiting teams, especially those coming from warmer regions. On the other hand, summer matches in the southern parts of Europe can be problematic for Northern European teams that are not accustomed to high temperatures.
Final Phase of the Qualifiers
As the qualifiers approach their end, the pressure will rise, and each match will become increasingly important. It is expected that many groups will be decided in the final round, meaning that the conclusion of the qualifiers will bring a lot of uncertainty and drama.
Alongside the fight for direct qualification, a major focus will be on the playoffs, where the national teams that did not succeed in the group stage will have one last chance to qualify for the World Cup.
What Are the Possible Scenarios?
There are several possible scenarios for the conclusion of the qualifiers:
- Dominance of the Favorites: The strongest European national teams secure qualification without major problems.
- Fight Until the Last Round: Several strong national teams fight for the last direct qualification spots.
- Surprises: Lesser-known national teams achieve sensational results and eliminate the big favorites.
- Playoffs as the Last Chance: National teams that did not succeed in the group stage fight for the remaining spots in additional matches.
All of this guarantees exciting qualifiers that will attract millions of viewers and create unforgettable moments in European football.