Countdown to 2026: European Qualifying Groups and Schedule for FIFA World Cup

The anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is building up, and the first step towards the grand tournament has been taken with the European qualifying group draw. The draw, which took place in December 2023, has set the stage for a thrilling qualifying campaign, with 55 European teams vying for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this article, we will delve into the European qualifying groups, the full schedule, and what fans can expect from the upcoming matches.

European Qualifying Groups

The 55 European teams have been divided into 9 groups, with 5 teams in each of the first 8 groups and 6 teams in the last group. The groups are as follows:

• Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus
• Group B: Netherlands, France, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
• Group C: Italy, England, Malta, North Macedonia, Ukraine
• Group D: Germany, Denmark, Turkey, Czech Republic, Armenia
• Group E: Belgium, Portugal, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg
• Group F: Croatia, Wales, Serbia, Bulgaria, Lithuania
• Group G: Poland, Sweden, Austria, Moldova, Kazakhstan
• Group H: Switzerland, Romania, Israel, Albania, Andorra
• Group I: Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein

Full Schedule

The European qualifying campaign will kick off in March 2025 and will conclude in November 2025. The schedule is packed, with teams playing 8-10 matches in a span of 8 months. The top team from each group will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the second-placed teams will compete in a playoff tournament to determine the remaining spots. The key dates to mark in your calendar are:

• March 2025: Qualifying campaign kicks off
• September 2025: Final round of group matches
• November 2025: Playoff tournament for second-placed teams
• November 2025: Final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

What to Expect

The European qualifying campaign promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. With powerhouses like Spain, Germany, and France, and dark horses like Croatia and Portugal, the competition will be fierce. Fans can expect thrilling matches, stunning upsets, and dramatic finishes. The qualifying campaign will also provide a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves on the international stage. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, the stakes are high, and teams will be giving it their all to secure a spot in the tournament. In conclusion, the European qualifying groups and schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been set, and the stage is all set for a thrilling qualifying campaign. With 55 teams competing for a spot in the grand tournament, fans can expect excitement, drama, and plenty of action. Mark your calendars, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team as they embark on the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Keyword: 2026 FIFA World Cup, European qualifying groups, schedule, football, soccer