Five European teams secured their qualification for the , this Tuesday (18), in a round marked by decisive games, exciting comebacks and great individual performances. , , , and confirmed their presence at the World Cup, while , , and will compete in the repechage in March.
Scotland beats Denmark in epic duel and returns to the World Cup after 28 years
On a historic night in Glasgow, Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 in a dramatic game and secured their first participation in the World Cup since 1998. Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick after just 3 minutes, but the match had twists and turns until stoppage time.
With the score level, Kieran Tierney (90’+3) hit a shot from outside the box and Kenny McLean (90’+8) scored a great goal from midfield, sealing the victory that put the Scots at the top of Group C. Denmark, who finished two points behind, go into the play-offs.
Switzerland draws with Kosovo and maintains World Cup streak
In Pristina, Switzerland confirmed its sixth consecutive participation in World Cups by drawing 1-1 with Kosovo. Ruben Vargas opened the scoring shortly after the break, and Muslija equalized for the hosts. With a solid campaign, maintained unbeaten record and a generation undergoing renewal, the Swiss closed Group B at the top.
Kosovo, recognized by FIFA only in 2016, still dreams of its first World Cup and will compete in the play-offs.
Spain draws with Turkey and ends qualifiers without defeat
Spain secured their place after drawing 2-2 with Turkey in Seville. Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Roja, who dominated Group E and finished unbeaten. Turkey came second and will compete in the playoffs for a place in the World Cup.
Champion in 2010, Spain will go to its 17th World Cup.
Austria returns to the World Cup after 28 years
Austria secured their qualification by drawing 1-1 with Bosnia in Vienna. Michael Gregoritsch’s goal in the 77th minute secured first place in Group H and Austria’s first World Cup participation since 1998. Bosnia, who are looking to return to the World Cup after 2014, will play in the play-offs.
Belgium overtakes Liechtenstein and confirms place with rout
In Liège, Belgium confirmed their classification with authority: 7-0 over Liechtenstein. Doku and De Ketelaere scored twice each as the Belgians extended their European record for unbeaten qualifying runs to 48 games. Even without Courtois, De Bruyne, Lukaku and Debast, Rudi Garcia’s team dominated from start to finish and secured the lead in Group A without any fear.
Countries already qualified for the 2026 World Cup:
North America
- USA
- Mexico
- Canada
South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Ecuador
- Uruguay
- Paraguay
- Colombia
Uefa
- England
- France
- Croatia
- Portugal
- Norway
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Scotland
- Austria
- Belgium
Asia
- Japan
- Iran
- Jordan
- Uzbekistan
- South Korea
- Australia
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Oceania
Africa
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Gana
- Cape Verde
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- South Africa
