The 2026 World Cup qualifying draw for European countries (UEFA) was recently conducted in Zurich, setting the stage for some mouth-watering match-ups.
The top team from each of the 12 groups automatically qualifies for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the second-placed teams head into the play-offs.
The Draw in Full
- Group A: Germany/Italy (winner), Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg.
- Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo.
- Group C: Portugal/Denmark (loser), Greece, Scotland, Belarus.
- Group D: France/Croatia (winner), Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan.
- Group E: Spain/Netherlands (winner), Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria.
- Group F: Portugal/Denmark (winner), Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia.
- Group G: Spain/Netherlands (loser), Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta.
- Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino.
- Group I: Germany/Italy (loser), Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova.
- Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
- Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra.
- Group L: France/Croatia (loser), Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar.
FIFA 2026 World Cup European Qualifying Preview
Group A features the winner of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash between Germany and Italy. Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg complete the line-up.
Minnows Luxembourg face a difficult challenge in their bid to finish in one of the top two spots and make their first-ever appearance on the world stage.
Northern Ireland have not participated in a World Cup since 1986, while Slovakia have missed the past three editions. They are fighting for the play-off place, with Germany or Italy likely to finish top.
Switzerland constantly find a way to qualify and claim impressive scalps at the World Cup. They will fancy their chances in Group B alongside Sweden, Slovenia and Kosovo.
Sweden’s array of attacking talent can cause problems for any team. They will likely be the biggest threat to Switzerland’s hopes of topping the group.
The loser of the quarter-final Nations League meeting between Portugal and Denmark is expected to dominate Group C. They will face Greece, Scotland and Belarus.
Greece have been flying under new manager Ivan Jovanovic and could be a dark horse to top the standings. However, Scotland will take confidence from their recent run of results.
In Group D, the winner of France versus Croatia will find Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan in their path. Ukraine held Les Bleus to 1-1 draws during the last World Cup qualifiers.
Iceland made their first World Cup appearance in 2018 and will be eyeing number two in 2026, while Azerbaijan face a monumental challenge to avoid finishing bottom of the group.
The winner of Spain versus Netherlands will be the favourites in Group E ahead of Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Group F pitches the winner of the Nations League tie between Portugal and Denmark with Hungary, Republic of Ireland and Armenia.
The bookmakers in Ireland will be bracing themselves for a betting frenzy, with Irish football fans renowned for backing their own team in major tournaments.
Several new Irish betting sites are offering generous odds on Ireland qualifying for the World Cup, and they may be forced to make a sizeable payout to punters.
The loser of the Nations League clash between Spain and Netherlands will be in Group G alongside Poland, Finland, Lithuania and Malta bid.
Austria are the team to beat in Group H, with Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino unlikely to provide them with too many problems.
The loser of the Nations League game between Germany and Italy has been drawn in Group I. Their main problem will likely be Norway, led by Erling Braut Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
Norway have caught life since failing to qualify for the 2024 European Championship, and they will be eager to progress to the 2026 World Cup. Israel, Estonia and Moldova provide stern opposition.
Belgium have never hit the heights expected of their star-studded team, but 2026 is another opportunity for them to change the narrative. They are tipped to finish on top of Group J ahead of Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.
England are a force to be reckoned with in Group H. New manager Thomas Tuchel is one of the best in class and has set his sights on lifting the trophy. Qualifying is the first step.
Group L pits either France or Croatia against Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands and Gibraltar.
