Teams able to secure 2026 World Cup qualification in upcoming European qualifying matches

The second to last round of European qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

This summary highlights the national teams that could confirm their participation in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico with one round remaining.

Group A

(Germany, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg)

No side can secure qualification during the forthcoming matches. Luxembourg have been eliminated from the race for the leading two positions, which offer either automatic entry as group winners or a playoff spot for runners-up.

Group B

(Switzerland, Kosovo, Slovenia, Sweden)

Switzerland can earn a spot at their sixth consecutive World Cup finals by defeating struggling Sweden on Saturday, provided Kosovo do not overcome Slovenia.

The Swiss would also advance with a draw against Sweden should Kosovo suffer a loss.

Group C

(Denmark, Scotland, Greece, Belarus)

No side can secure qualification in the upcoming matches. Denmark and Scotland have already locked in the top two spots.

Group D

(France, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan)

France, winners of the World Cup on two occasions, can book their place at the 2026 finals by beating Ukraine on Thursday.

Group E

(Spain, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria)

Spain, the reigning European champions, will qualify if they defeat Georgia on Saturday while Turkey drop points against eliminated Bulgaria.

The 2010 World Cup champions would also clinch the group lead with a draw should Turkey lose unexpectedly.

Group F

(Portugal, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia)

Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo can lock in their finals berth with a victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, or via a draw if Hungary cannot beat Armenia.

Group G

(Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta)

The Netherlands will advance with a win against Poland on Friday. Both Lithuania and Malta are already out of reach for the top two positions.

Group H

(Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cyprus, San Marino)

Austria can confirm the group leadership by overcoming Cyprus on Saturday, assuming Bosnia and Herzegovina do not defeat Romania.

Group I

(Norway, Italy, Israel, Estonia, Moldova)

Norway could reach their first World Cup since 1998 by beating Estonia, provided Italy fail to win against Moldova on Thursday.

Even a win for the Italians would leave Norway in a strong position to qualify, thanks to their substantial advantage in goal difference over the four-time world champions.

Group J

(Belgium, North Macedonia, Wales, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein)

Belgium will book their qualification by winning in Kazakhstan on Saturday, which would leave North Macedonia and Wales battling for the runner-up playoff place.

Group K

(England, Albania, Serbia, Latvia, Andorra)

England have already secured their qualification.

Albania could clinch a playoff berth by defeating Andorra if Serbia lose to England.

Group L

(Croatia, Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Montenegro, Gibraltar)

Croatia, runners-up in 2018, will lock in top spot if they avoid an upset defeat at home to the Faroe Islands on Friday.

A loss for the third-placed Faroe Islands would end their hopes of a top-two finish.