European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup wrapped up Tuesday, with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria landing the last automatic spots.
Spain managed a 2-2 draw at home against Turkey but still topped Group E. They also matched Italy’s impressive streak of 31 competitive matches without a loss, a record set between 2018 and 2021.
Scotland celebrated an exciting 4-2 victory over a 10-man Denmark in Group C. One of the highlights was a stunning bicycle kick goal by Scott McTominay just three minutes into the game. They sealed their win with two additional goals in second-half injury time after Denmark received a red card.
Austria clinched their spot with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group H, while Belgium dominated Liechtenstein, winning 7-0. Switzerland also qualified after a 1-1 draw with Kosovo.
A total of 12 group winners qualified directly. The runners-up will head to the playoffs alongside the top four ranked group winners from the 2024-25 Nations League who did not finish in the top two of their groups. The playoff matches are scheduled for March 26 and March 31.
The upcoming World Cup will be an exciting event, taking place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. This will be the first World Cup held in three countries, an effort to promote a festive atmosphere and increase accessibility for fans across North America.
As we look back on the qualifying rounds, it’s clear that football remains a unifying force. According to a recent survey by FIFA, 87% of fans believe the World Cup strengthens national pride. This sentiment isn’t just about winning; it’s about celebrating diversity and community.
For more information about the upcoming matches and statistics, check out FIFA’s official site.
