World Cup 2026 European qualifying: when, how and who needs what?
- indiasportsgroup
- Nov 13, 2025
- 1 min read
Only England have qualified so far, and there is sure to be drama aplenty over the next week as everyone else battles to join them.
Group A
Could the unthinkable happen? Germany have never failed to qualify for the World Cup but the four-time champions can’t afford slip-ups if they are to seal top spot after losing against Slovakia in their opening game. Julian Nagelsmann’s side lead Slovakia on goal difference and need to beat Luxembourg on Friday and see whether Northern Ireland – guaranteed a playoff after finishing top of their Nations League group – can do them any favours in Slovakia on the same night. Germany finish against Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday in what could be a winner-takes-all showdown. Teams finishing second go into the playoffs.
Group B
Switzerland will qualify on Saturday if they achieve a better result at home to Sweden than Kosovo secure in Slovenia. Switzerland’s vastly superior goal difference means they will be virtually assured of a World Cup place if they match Kosovo’s result. But if Kosovo close the three-point gap to the leaders, things will be excitingly poised for their final game at home to Switzerland in Pristina on Tuesday. Sweden, playing under Graham Potter for the first time, should make the playoffs by virtue of having won their Nations League group.
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