FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Update
The international window in September 2025 is upon us, prompting thoughts about which teams will secure their spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this fall. Currently, 10 teams have already qualified, along with co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The quest to fill the remaining 48 slots at next summer’s tournament is underway.
UEFA, the European football governing body, has the largest allocation of spots in the World Cup, with 16 openings available through a qualification process. This involves an initial round featuring 12 groups—six with four teams and six with five. The winners of each group will advance directly to the World Cup. Additionally, 12 runners-up and four top Nations League group finishers, who don’t rank in the top two of their respective groups, will head to playoff rounds to compete for four more spots.
Some groups, specifically G, H, I, J, K, and L, began their qualification journey back in March and have already played matches. Finland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Norway, North Macedonia, England, and the Czech Republic currently lead their groups in this early stage. Meanwhile, groups A through F will kick off this week, with teams set to play a total of six matches during the September, October, and November windows.
Looking ahead, the September 5 match between Denmark and Scotland could be pivotal for Group C, while Turkey hosting Spain on September 7 promises to be a significant clash. Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Austria on September 9. October’s schedule features crucial matches, including a game in Belgium on October 10 and another in Wales on October 13. The Czech Republic has a noteworthy match against Croatia on October 9, having positioned themselves well in Group L. Lastly, Italy faces Norway on November 16, which could have major implications for their qualification hopes.
Strong Contenders for Qualification
Norway currently leads Group I with a perfect 12 points from four matches. If they maintain their unbeaten streak, they could secure qualification during the October window. Among the teams yet to start their campaigns, both England and Germany are considered to be in favorable groups that might lead to easy wins.
Italy finds itself in a difficult position and urgently needs a win, having only managed three points from two matches in Group I. They trail behind Norway, which has 12 points. The September matches are critical for Italy to reassert their qualification hopes. If they falter again, they risk missing out on a third consecutive World Cup. They have some work to do against Belgium in Group J and must contend with Wales and North Macedonia in October.
