UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Head for Thrilling Finish as Nine Teams Eye Early Qualification

Zurich, November 12, 2025 —
The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is reaching its climax, with the UEFA qualifying stage set for a dramatic finale between 13 and 18 November. As the final round of group fixtures approaches, nine European nations — Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland — stand on the verge of confirming their places at next year’s global showpiece in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

A total of 48 matches will be played across six action-packed days, with 11 of the 12 groups yet to determine a winner.

High Stakes Across Europe

Germany and Slovakia are locked at the top of their group with nine points each and will meet in a decisive clash on 17 November. Germany, led by Julian Nagelsmann, will have home advantage in what promises to be a fierce encounter.

In Group B, Switzerland can book their sixth consecutive World Cup berth with a win over struggling Sweden on 15 November, provided Kosovo fail to beat Slovenia. If results go down to the wire, a final showdown between Switzerland and Kosovo on 18 November will decide the group.

Group C sees a tight battle between Denmark and Scotland, who will face off at Hampden Park in Glasgow on 18 November. Before that, Denmark take on Belarus and Scotland travel to Greece, knowing that any slip-up could prove costly.

For France, qualification could be secured on 13 November with a win over Ukraine at the Parc des Princes. The 2018 champions and 2022 finalists, led by Kylian Mbappé, will look to seal their place without relying on the final fixtures against Azerbaijan and Iceland.

Spain can confirm their ticket to North America by beating Georgia on 15 November, provided Türkiye fail to defeat Bulgaria. If results remain open, a blockbuster finale between Spain and Türkiye in Seville will decide the group.

Star-Studded Battles Ahead

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, narrowly missed qualification in October after a late equalizer from Hungary delayed celebrations. A victory over Republic of Ireland will now guarantee their top spot, while a draw could suffice if Hungary fail to win against Armenia.

In Group G, the Netherlands will qualify with a win over Poland on 14 November in Warsaw. Austria, meanwhile, could end a 26-year World Cup drought if they beat Cyprus on 15 November and Bosnia and Herzegovina fail to overcome Romania.

Norway, inspired by Erling Haaland, are also on the brink of their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Victory against Estonia — combined with an Italy loss to Moldova — will seal qualification for the Scandinavian side.

Belgium are in control of their destiny and can secure qualification with a win over Kazakhstan. Should they stumble, a final home fixture against Liechtenstein awaits, while North Macedonia remain in contention.

England have already sealed their spot, maintaining a perfect record. The focus in their group now shifts to the contest between Albania and Serbia for the runners-up position.

Croatia, the 2018 finalists and 2022 bronze medalists, need just a point against the Faroe Islands on 14 November to top Group L. If they falter, a second chance awaits against Montenegro.

How Qualification Works

The UEFA qualifiers feature 12 groups of four or five teams each. The group winners will qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while the remaining four European slots will be determined through a 16-team play-off, involving group runners-up and the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League teams.

As the countdown to North America 2026 intensifies, Europe braces for six days of intense drama, high-stakes football, and the emergence of new heroes destined for the world’s biggest sporting stage.

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