European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup concluded on March 26, 2024, with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria claiming the last available automatic spots from the region. Their successful campaigns marked an exciting end to the qualifying round, generating anticipation for the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Scotland made headlines with a dramatic performance at Hampden Park, where they scored two key goals in the dying moments of their match against Denmark. This victory came after Denmark was reduced to ten men, showcasing Scotland’s determination to secure their World Cup berth. The final score was 2-1, cementing their place among the elite in world football.
Austria’s qualification was confirmed with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, enough to secure their position in Group H. Meanwhile, Belgium delivered a commanding performance, defeating Liechtenstein 7-0. In an impressive display of skill, Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku each netted two goals, contributing significantly to Belgium’s qualification for their fourth consecutive World Cup, despite the absence of their star player, Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.
In Group E, Spain faced Turkey and managed to hold them to a 2-2 draw. This result not only secured Spain’s first-place finish in their group but also allowed them to equal Italy’s record of 31 competitive matches without a loss. The draw marked the end of Spain’s winning streak but confirmed their status as one of the favorites heading into the World Cup.
The qualification process saw 12 group winners earn direct spots for the tournament, while runners-up will advance to playoffs alongside the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League that did not finish first or second in their groups. The playoff matches are set to take place on March 26 and March 31, 2024, as teams vie for the final spots in the tournament.
In a noteworthy outcome, Wales secured second place in Belgium’s group, thanks to a remarkable 7-1 victory over North Macedonia, featuring a hat trick from Harry Wilson. This win not only solidified Wales’ position in the playoffs but also underscored the competitive nature of the qualifying rounds.
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming World Cup, the successful campaigns of Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria set the stage for an exhilarating tournament. Fans and players alike are now eagerly awaiting the matches that will determine the ultimate champions of international football.