Complete guide to World Cup 2026 European qualifying fixtures and schedule

Introduction to World Cup 2026 European qualifying

The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is well underway, with European qualification set to captivate fans from March 2025. This expanded tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams, including 16 from UEFA. With the likes of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland all aiming to secure their spots, the European qualifiers promise thrilling encounters and intense competition.

How European qualifying works for World Cup 2026

European nations have been drawn into 12 groups, each containing four or five teams. Qualification follows a traditional home-and-away format, with teams playing each other twice between September and November 2025. The 12 group winners qualify directly for the World Cup, while the four remaining places are decided through play-offs in March 2026.

Play-off structure explained

The play-offs involve the 12 group runners-up plus four of the best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups. These 16 teams will be split into four paths of four, competing in single-leg semi-finals and finals in March 2026, with winners advancing to the World Cup.

Key groups and fixtures to watch in European qualifying

Several groups feature nail-biting battles for qualification places. England, for example, dominate Group K with a perfect record, having won five matches without conceding a goal. They face a crucial away game against Latvia on 14 October, where a win could seal their World Cup spot depending on other results.

Scotland’s campaign in Group C is tightly contested. With four points from two games, the Scots face Greece and Belarus in October, crucial matches that could set the tone for their qualification hopes. For a deeper look at Scotland’s prospects and challenges, check out Scotland’s World Cup dream optimism and challenges ahead.

Wales find themselves in a particularly competitive Group J with Belgium and North Macedonia. Their upcoming home clash with Belgium on 13 October is pivotal, followed by matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland in Group A still hold hopes, but must overcome Slovakia and Germany in crucial October fixtures.

The Republic of Ireland face a tough schedule in Group F, taking on group leaders Portugal twice and Armenia, with qualification hopes hinging on these results. Their away match in Portugal on 11 October will be a stern test.

Full European qualifying fixture schedule overview

The group stage matches are scheduled between 9-14 October and 13-18 November 2025. The play-offs will then take place from 26-31 March 2026. This timeline gives teams a clear window to secure qualification or prepare for the high-stakes play-offs.

Highlights of notable fixtures

• England vs Latvia: 14 October 2025, a must-win for England’s direct qualification hopes.
• Wales vs Belgium: 13 October 2025, a potential group decider in Group J.
• Republic of Ireland vs Portugal: Both October and November fixtures are critical in Group F.
• Scotland vs Greece and Belarus: October 9 and 12, vital matches for momentum.

For more on the latest football fixtures and schedules, see our football scores and fixtures guide for September 2025, which offers comprehensive coverage of upcoming matches across competitions.

Where and when is the World Cup 2026 final tournament?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It will be the first tournament hosted by three countries simultaneously: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches will be held across 16 cities, including iconic venues like Dallas Stadium in Texas (capacity 94,000), Toronto Stadium in Canada, and the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Expanded format and schedule

The tournament will feature 48 teams, an increase of 16 teams from Qatar 2022. This expansion requires a new group stage and knockout schedule:

• Group stage: 11-27 June
• Round of 32: 28 June to 3 July
• Round of 16: 4-7 July
• Quarter-finals: 9-11 July
• Semi-finals: 14-15 July
• Third-place play-off: 18 July
• Final: 19 July

What to expect from European nations at World Cup 2026

With 16 European teams set to qualify, competition will be fierce. Traditional powerhouses like Germany, France, Spain, and Italy are expected to feature prominently, while emerging squads such as North Macedonia and Kosovo could create surprises.

Nations like England and Wales will aim to build on their strong qualifying form, while Scotland and Northern Ireland seek to end long absences from the World Cup stage. The Republic of Ireland’s qualification campaign will also be closely followed by fans.

For fans keen to track these developments closely, staying updated with reliable sources is key. Visit Follow Your Favourite Football Club With BBC Sport for continuous updates and analysis on club and international football.

Conclusion: Preparing for an exciting World Cup 2026

The European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup promise drama, passion, and top-quality football. With expanded participation and new venues across North America, this tournament will be a landmark event. Fans from across the UK and Europe can look forward to exhilarating qualification battles from October 2025 and a summer of unforgettable football in 2026.

Whether supporting the Three Lions, the Tartan Army, the Dragons, or the Irish teams, the journey to the World Cup is already thrilling. Keep an eye on key fixtures and don’t miss out on the action as European nations fight for their place on football’s biggest stage.