The WC Qualifiers: European Focus
World Cup 2026 is just over a year away and there is plenty to be excited about for the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. Those three sides have been awarded a place at the competition already, but there were still 45 spots to be filled. In a series of articles looking at the upcoming action, let’s start by taking a look at the European qualifiers!
For a look at the action from South America, click here.
For a look at the action from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, click here.
For a look at the action from Africa, click here.
Europe is guaranteed 16 berths, while Africa has nine, Asia has eight, South America has six, North America, Central America and the Caribbean have three, and Oceania has one. The last two places will be determined by the interconfederation play-offs.
In our article series we will take a look at the key World Cup 2025 qualifiers so you know which games you should not miss this year.
Must-watch Qualifiers in Europe
Norway vs Italy (June 6)
One of the must-watch 2025 World Cup qualifier matches in Europe is scheduled for June 6, as Norway play host to Italy. The Azzurri are four-time champions, but they will probably not be among the leading contenders to lift the trophy next summer. Luciano Spalletti does not have a vintage Italian squad at his disposal.
Norway missed out on the last European Championship – a massive disappointment given the talent available to them. With huge stars playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, they should be capable of causing Italy problems in this encounter.
Belgium vs Wales (June 9)
Belgium’s golden generation is a thing of the past, as we saw when they underwhelmed at Euro 2024. Domenico Tedesco was shown the door at the start of this year, with former Roma and Marseille manager Rudi Garcia now calling the shots.
Belgium have plenty of talent in their ranks – just look at Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne – but they should not take qualification for granted. Wales have looked dangerous under Craig Bellamy and they will give Belgium something to think about in June.
Ukraine vs France (September 5)
France’s squad has the sort of breadth and depth of quality to make virtually every other national team in the world jealous. Didier Dechamps has won one of these tournaments before, so France will probably be there or thereabouts in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
It is hard to see les Bleus missing out on automatic qualification, but Ukraine are capable of giving them something to think about. It would be a wonderful story if Serhiy Rebrov’s team were to qualify for the competition given everything that is going on back home. Beating France would be a real statement of intent.
Serbia vs England (September 9)
Runners-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, England are desperate to get over the line in a major tournament for the first time since 1966. They have appointed Thomas Tuchel to lead the national team at the tournament, but England must get there first.
Their toughest fixture in the 2025 World Cup qualification schedule is likely to be a trip to Serbia in September. With the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka in their ranks, England are not short of attacking quality. Question marks about the defensive unit remain, though.
Last Updated: 03.04.2025
