The 2026 World Cup qualifying draw has taken place in Zurich, with every European nation finding out who they will have to face to reach the USA, Canada and Mexico in just under two years time.
Due to the Nations League knockout rounds taking place in 2025, a number of countries have been drafted into two potential groups.
World Cup qualifying groups
Group A: Winner of Germany vs Italy, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg.
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo
Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Belarus
Group D: Winner of France vs Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands, Turkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands, Turkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria
Group F: Winner of Portugal vs Denmark, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia
Group G: Loser of Spain vs Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta
Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino
Group I: Loser of Germany vs Italy, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein
Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra
Group L: Loser of France vs Croatia, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Island, Gibraltar
The format
The group stage begins in March 2025 and lasts until November, with the top team in every group earning a spot at the World Cup. The twelve runners-up and the four best Nations League group winners that finished outside the top two of their qualifying group will take part in the play-offs in March 2026.
Where is the World Cup being held?
The 2026 World Cup is set to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico between June 11th to July 19th.
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