France, Spain, and Portugal Edge Closer to 2026: What Europe Needs to Qualify

The ninth round of European qualifying could see eight nations join England, who has already booked their place at the finals.

Before the last two group-stage rounds, Europe’s big teams stand on the brink of qualification.

The ninth round of European qualifying runs across three days, Thursday through Saturday, with round ten matches on Sunday through Tuesday.

Among the 12 groups — some with four teams, some with five — only one European nation has sealed its spot so far: England.

The Three Lions have sealed qualification from Group 11 after topping the table with 18 points from six matches, seven points clear of Albania in second with two games to play.

This November’s international window will see 11 European teams qualify, with the remaining four spots decided by the continental playoff in March.

In a edition featuring 48 teams for the first time, Europe will be represented by 16 teams, with group winners advancing directly to the finals and runners-up entering the playoff.

Who will seal their qualification from Europe?

France need only one win to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing as runners-up to Argentina at the last finals.

If the France team beat Ukraine next Thursday, they will seal qualification regardless of round ten results.

France currently top Group 4 with 10 points, three clear of Ukraine, with two matches left to play.

Switzerland will seal their spot on Saturday if they beat Sweden, provided Kosovo fail to beat Slovenia.

A Swiss draw would suffice if Kosovo lose to Slovenia.

Switzerland sit atop Group 2 with 10 points, three ahead of Kosovo.

Belgium will book a finals berth on Saturday if they beat Kazakhstan in Group 10.

The Red Devils lead their group with 14 points from six matches, while North Macedonia sit second on 13 from seven.

The Netherlands are close to qualifying and just need a win over Poland on Friday in Group 7.

The Dutch lead the group with 16 points, three ahead of Poland.

Austria will secure their place on Saturday with a win over Cyprus, provided Bosnia and Herzegovina fail to beat Romania.

Austria lead Group 8 with 15 points, while Bosnia and Herzegovina sit second on 13.

Portugal could celebrate qualification on Thursday with a win over the Republic of Ireland.

They also have the chance to qualify on a draw if Hungary fail to beat Armenia in the same round.

Portugal lead Group 6 with 10 points, five clear of Hungary after four rounds.

Norway could seal qualification on the same day, but their task is tougher in Group 9.

Erling Haaland’s Norway would need to beat Estonia with Italy failing to beat Moldova; a draw could suffice if Italy lose to Moldova.

Meanwhile, Spain can join the party on Saturday if they beat Georgia and Turkey fail to beat Bulgaria.

Lor ocha, Spain’s La Roja, sit top of Group 5 with 12 points, three ahead of Turkey.

Gloom in three groups — while eight groups look set to be decided in Round 9, three others remain tightly contested ahead of Round 10.

In Group 1, Germany and Slovakia sit on nine points each, leading the way.

Group 12 is led by Croatia on 16 points from six matches, three clear of the Czech Republic after seven matches.

Group 3 remains a tight race between Denmark and Scotland, both on 10 points with two games to go.

Who advances from each continent?

As of writing, 28 teams have already qualified for the World Cup, to be staged in June/July, with England the lone European representative among the qualifiers.

Aside from England, the other continents have filled out their slots as follows:

Host nations: Canada, Mexico, United States.

Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan.

Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.

Oceania: New Zealand.

And as the road to the finals narrows, one thing is for sure: Europe remains a theatre of drama, talent, and a few more plot twists than a spy novel.

Punchline time, Sniper-style: If Europe’s path to the World Cup were a sniper range, every target would move just as you think you’ve got it lined up. And yes, England would still find a way to smile in the crosshairs. And my forecast for the playoffs? It’s so sharp, it came with its own crosshair—careful where you aim, friend. Also: the ball has a better sense of direction than my weekend plans, and that’s saying something.