2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers UEFA: All You Need to Know
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers UEFA is one of the most highly anticipated football competitions, as Europe’s best teams compete for 16 spots at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With a new format, high-stakes matches, and fierce rivalries, the road to the World Cup is set to be more intense than ever.
This guide will cover UEFA qualifying dates, groups, format, fixtures, standings, and top players, providing a comprehensive overview of the tournament.
Key Information About UEFA Qualifying
- Tournament Start: March 2025
- Tournament End: March 2026
- Total Teams: 54
- Spots Available: 16
- Format: Group Stage & Playoffs
- Host Nations: Canada, Mexico, USA
The FIFA World Cup 26™ UEFA qualifiers will begin in March 2025 and conclude in March 2026, featuring 12 groups of four or five teams.
UEFA Qualifying Draw & Groups
The UEFA Preliminary Draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA took place on Friday, 13 December 2024. The 54 European nations were divided into 12 groups, each with four or five teams.
FIFA World Cup 26™ UEFA Preliminary Draw Results
Group A
- Winner Italy-Germany (UNL QF4)
- Slovakia
- Northern Ireland
- Luxembourg
Group B
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Slovenia
- Kosovo
Group C
- Defeated team Denmark-Portugal (UNL QF3)
- Greece
- Scotland
- Belarus
Group D
- Winner Croatia-France (UNL QF2)
- Ukraine
- Iceland
- Azerbaijan
Group E
- Winner Netherlands-Spain (UNL QF1)
- Türkiye
- Georgia
- Bulgaria
Group F
- Winner Denmark-Portugal (UNL QF3)
- Hungary
- Republic of Ireland
- Armenia
Group G
- Defeated team Netherlands-Spain (UNL QF1)
- Poland
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Malta
Group H
- Austria
- Romania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cyprus
- San Marino
Group I
- Defeated team Italy-Germany (UNL QF4)
- Norway
- Israel
- Estonia
- Moldova
Group J
- Belgium
- Wales
- North Macedonia
- Kazakhstan
- Liechtenstein
Group K
- England
- Serbia
- Albania
- Latvia
- Andorra
Group L
- Defeated team Croatia-France (UNL QF2)
- Czechia
- Montenegro
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
How UEFA World Cup Qualifying Works
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA follows a structured format:
Group Stage
- The 12 group winners automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Teams will play home and away matches within their groups.
Playoffs
- The 12 group runners-up will join the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League teams in a 16-team playoff tournament.
- The four playoff winners will claim the remaining spots for UEFA in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Teams Qualified for FIFA World Cup 26™: None yet
Teams Eliminated: None yet
Standings & Qualification Predictions
Based on past performances and current form in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA, the top favorites for qualification are:
| Team | Qualification Chance (%) |
|---|---|
| France | 95% |
| Germany | 90% |
| England | 88% |
| Portugal | 85% |
| Spain | 80% |
| Netherlands | 75% |
| Italy | 70% |
| Denmark | 65% |
These teams have historically been dominant in FIFA World Cup qualifiers Europe, making them strong contenders for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
UEFA Qualifying Schedule & Fixtures
The FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA schedule is structured across different phases:
- March 2025: Opening round of matches
- June 2025: Midway point in the group stage
- November 2025: Final group stage matches
- March 2026: Playoff tournament
Upcoming Key Matches:
- Germany vs. Slovakia – March 2025
- France vs. Croatia – June 2025
- England vs. Portugal – September 2025
- Spain vs. Netherlands – November 2025
Top Scorers from Previous UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
A look at the top goal scorers from previous FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA campaigns:
- 1958: Tommy Taylor (England) – 8 goals
- 1970: Gerd Müller (Germany) – 9 goals
- 1998: Predrag Mijatović (Yugoslavia) – 14 goals
- 2018: Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 16 goals
- 2022: Harry Kane (England) & Memphis Depay (Netherlands) – 12 goals
Who will emerge as the top scorer in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA?
UEFA Nations’ FIFA World Cup Titles
Europe has historically dominated the FIFA World Cup, with Germany and Italy leading the title count.
| Country | World Cup Titles |
|---|---|
| Germany | 4 🏆 |
| Italy | 4 🏆 |
| France | 2 🏆 |
| Spain | 1 🏆 |
| England | 1 🏆 |
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup Qualifiers UEFA
Fans worldwide can follow the FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA live on various platforms:
- FIFA+ (official streaming service)
- ESPN, FOX Sports, Sky Sports (regional broadcasts)
- UEFA Official Website (live updates & schedules)
- Local sports networks in Europe
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers UEFA promises high-intensity competition as Europe’s top football nations fight for 16 direct qualification spots. With France, Germany, England, Portugal, and Spain among the favorites, fans can expect thrilling encounters over the next year.
As the UEFA FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers progress, stay updated with the latest standings, fixtures, and match results. Who will make it to the FIFA World Cup 2026? Stay tuned for all the action!