European World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: The Final Round of Games

With the final whistle approaching for the final round of games for the European World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, what’s the state of play? Which countries have already qualified? Which groups are wide open? And what happens next? If you’re excited for the biggest tournament in sport next summer, why not learn more about our World Cup Football Predictor game and take part in the action?

What’s at stake? The Final European Spots for World Cup 2026

England is the only country to have qualified so far out of the UEFA section of World Cup Qualifying. This means that the final round of games, where most teams will play two games between November 13th and 18th. What’s the state of play with the other groups? Which teams will be present when you start your World Cup Football Predictor game? 

Automatic qualification: Who will top the groups?

• Group A – Germany has never failed to qualify, but after losing to Slovakia in the opening game, things remain tight at the top between the two nations. Only goal difference separates them.

• Group B – Switzerland are on the verge of qualifying if they have a better result than Kosovo in Saturday’s matches.

• Group C – Denmark and Scotland are fighting it out for top spot, with goal difference keeping the Danes top currently.

• Group D – France will qualify as group winners if they beat Ukraine at home on Thursday.

• Group E – Spain is close to qualifying, having won their first four matches. If they get a better result than Georgia on Saturday, they’ll top the group.

• Group F – Portugal needs only two points from games against the Republic of Ireland away and Armenia at home.

• Group G – It might come down to Poland v Netherlands, but with a three-point lead and a much better goal difference, Poland will need miracles from Lithuania in Amsterdam too.

• Group H – three teams can still claim the top spot between Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Romania. It’s all to play for!

• Group I – Norway for the first time since 1998 or Italy, who have missed the last two World Cup tournaments? Who will prevail?

• Group J – Belgium are in pole position after victory against Wales last time. They need one win from two to claim the top spot.

• Group K – this group is sorted, with England qualified in top spot.

• Group L – Croatia needs one point to seal the top spot over the last two games.

The crucial play-off battle: A second chance at glory

The 12 runners-up are joined by the four highest-ranked National League section winners that have not already qualified. This currently means that the extra four places would fall to Wales, Romania, Sweden, and Northern Ireland, though there is a chance for minnows such as Moldova and San Marino to miraculously have a chance in the play-offs. The 16 teams face off at the end of March in a single-leg semi-final and final to decide the four extra European qualifiers.

Key matches to watch out for:

• Poland v Netherlands is a big game on Friday night. If Poland can win, it gives them a chance of qualifying, although the Netherlands have a second chance at home to Lithuania on Monday.

• Italy v Norway could be a pivotal tie, but with Erling Haaland’s exploits and the +26 goal difference for Norway, they could wrap up top spot at home to Estonia on Thursday.

• Scotland v Denmark is the final game of Group C, and if Scotland come through an away game in Athens unscathed, then it’s all on this game at Hampden Park on the 18th.

FAQ's

Q: How many European teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

A: 16 European teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup. 

Q: What is the current format for the UEFA World Cup play-offs?

A: The 12 runners-up are joined by the four highest-ranked Nations League winners that haven’t already qualified. In March 2026, 4 additional teams will qualify after playing one-leg semi-finals and a final.

Q: When is the final matchday for the European qualifiers?

A: The final round of games is between November 13th and 18th, 2025.

Q: Which big teams could miss out on the World Cup?

A: Italy are dangerously close to missing out for the third World Cup on the trot. Sweden are perennial qualifiers but in a bad position. Maybe Italy won’t be there again when you play our World Cup Football Predictor game!

Get your predictions ready

Are you excited for the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico? Once the European qualifiers are decided at the end of November (apart from the play-off winners who will be decided in March 2026), we can start to look forward to the World Cup draw proper, which takes place on December 5th in Washington DC. Want to make your own predictions for the tournament? Head over to our World Cup Football Predictor game and set up a league with your colleagues or customers.