European qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on March 26, 2024, with several teams clinching their spots in a dramatic final round of matches. Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria secured the last remaining automatic qualification slots, showcasing intense competition across the continent.
Spain, despite being held to a 2-2 draw at home against Turkey, finished first in Group E. This result allowed them to equal Italy’s impressive 31-match unbeaten streak in competitive fixtures, a record that stood from 2018 until 2021. Spain’s resilience throughout the qualifiers has solidified their status as a formidable force in international football.
Scotland celebrated a momentous victory, defeating Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park. The match featured a stunning bicycle kick from Scott McTominay just three minutes in, setting the tone for a thrilling encounter. Scotland capitalized on Denmark’s struggles, scoring two late goals after Denmark had a player sent off, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Austria also secured their place with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group H, while Belgium dominated Liechtenstein, winning decisively with a score of 7-0. Switzerland rounded out the qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kosovo, ensuring they would join their European counterparts in the tournament.
The qualification process confirmed that the twelve group winners would advance directly to the World Cup. The runners-up will enter playoffs alongside the four best-ranked group winners from the 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League who did not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups. These playoffs are scheduled to take place on March 26 and March 31.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This tournament promises to be a landmark event in international football, with a record number of teams participating.
With the final spots secured, fans and players alike are looking forward to what is shaping up to be an exhilarating World Cup, showcasing the best of football talent from around the globe.
