European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup: Groups Drawn, The Race Begins!

The path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is set for European nations! The draw for the European Qualifiers took place on December 13, 2024, and we now know the exciting matchups that await.

Groups and Key Matchups:

Here's a look at the twelve groups, with some of the most intriguing matchups highlighted:

• Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus

  Key Matchup: Spain vs. Scotland – A clash of footballing styles with potential upset potential for Scotland.

• Group B: France, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar

  Key Matchup: France vs. Netherlands – Two European giants collide in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

• Group C: Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Malta

  Key Matchup: Italy vs. Denmark – A rematch of their Euro 2020 encounter, with both teams eager to prove their dominance.

• Group D: England, Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Andorra

  Key Matchup: England vs. Croatia – A repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, with England seeking revenge.

• Group E: Portugal, Poland, Serbia, Romania, Lithuania

  Key Matchup: Portugal vs. Poland – A battle of attacking firepower, with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially facing Robert Lewandowski.

• Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia

  Key Matchup: Belgium vs. Sweden – A test for Belgium's aging golden generation against a rising Swedish side.

• Group G: Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Slovenia, San Marino

  Key Matchup: Germany vs. Switzerland – A clash of neighboring rivals with a history of close encounters.

• Group H: Ukraine, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein

  Key Matchup: Ukraine vs. Turkey – A politically charged encounter between two passionate footballing nations.

• Group I: Hungary, Russia, Slovakia, Iceland, Kosovo

  Key Matchup: Hungary vs. Russia – A clash of Eastern European rivals with a history of competitive matches.

• Group J: Netherlands, Wales, Bulgaria, Belarus, Faroe Islands

  Key Matchup: Netherlands vs. Wales – A rematch of their recent Nations League encounter, with both teams aiming for top spot.

• Group K: Switzerland, Romania, Israel, Andorra, Kosovo

  Key Matchup: Switzerland vs. Romania – A test for Switzerland against a Romanian side looking to regain its former glory.

• Group L: Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Iceland, Liechtenstein

  Key Matchup: Portugal vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Portugal will be looking to assert their dominance, but Bosnia and Herzegovina could pose a threat.

How the Nations League Impacted the Draw:

The UEFA Nations League played a crucial role in shaping the qualifying groups. The Nations League rankings were used to determine the seeding of teams, ensuring a more balanced and competitive qualifying process. This means that some traditional powerhouses like France and the Netherlands find themselves in the same group, promising a fierce battle for the top spot.

Road to Qualification:

• Group Stage: Teams will compete in a home-and-away format within their groups from March 2025 to November 2025.
• Playoffs: The 12 group winners qualify directly for the World Cup. The remaining four spots will be determined through playoffs in March 2026, which will include the best-placed teams from the Nations League who didn't win their qualifying group.

What to Watch For:

• Top Contenders: Traditional powerhouses like France, England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Portugal are expected to be strong contenders, but the expanded World Cup format means there could be some surprises.
• Potential Upsets: Groups with closely matched teams like Group B (France, Netherlands) and Group D (England, Croatia) could see some unexpected results. Keep an eye on underdogs like Scotland, Wales, and Serbia, who could cause upsets.
• Emerging Stars: This qualifying campaign will be a chance for young talents like Gavi (Spain), Jamal Musiala (Germany), and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia) to shine on the international stage.

The Journey Begins:

The European Qualifiers are always a thrilling spectacle, and this edition promises to be no different. With the expanded World Cup format, the competition is even more intense.

Stay tuned for the kickoff of the qualifiers in March 2025, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Europe's best battle for a place on the world's biggest stage!

For more in-depth coverage and analysis of the European Qualifiers, visit Sky Sports.