UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Key Matches & Results

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: The Race for 2026 Heats Up

The final stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers delivered drama, decisive results, and historic moments across UEFA, Africa, and Concacaf. With berths on the line, nations showcased their determination to secure their place in football's biggest tournament. Here's a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and key takeaways.

UEFA Qualifiers: Decisive Matchdays

The UEFA qualifiers concluded with Matchday 10 on November 16-18, 2025, confirming several teams' World Cup spots while others advanced to playoffs. Croatia, England, and France had already secured group victories, but the final matches settled the remaining European berths.

Key Highlights:

• Norway's Historic Qualification: Despite a 1-1 draw with Italy in Milan, Norway secured their first World Cup berth since 1998. Erling Haaland's 14-goal campaign (including 33 total team goals) was pivotal.

  "We're going to the World Cup!" - Ståle Solbakken, Norway Coach

• Germany vs. Slovakia: Germany needed a win to overcome their earlier 2-0 loss. Julian Nagelsmann's side delivered, securing their World Cup spot with a dominant performance.
• Scotland's Dramatic Lifeline: Belarus' 2-2 draw in Denmark kept Scotland's hopes alive. Steve Clarke's side now faces Denmark in a playoff decider after a 3-2 loss in Greece.
• Portugal's Relief: With Bruno Fernandes returning from suspension, Portugal defeated Armenia 4-0 to qualify despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence. The result confirmed their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.

Full Match Schedule:

• Nov 16: Hungary vs. Republic of Ireland (9 a.m.), Portugal vs. Armenia (9 p.m.), Albania vs. England (12 p.m.), Azerbaijan vs. France (12 p.m.), Italy vs. Norway (2:45 p.m.)
• Nov 17: Germany vs. Slovakia (2:45 p.m.), Montenegro vs. Croatia (2:45 p.m.), Northern Ireland vs. Luxembourg (2:45 p.m.)
• Nov 18: Spain vs. Türkiye (2:45 p.m.), Austria vs. Bosnia (2:45 p.m.), Belgium vs. Liechtenstein (2:45 p.m.), Scotland vs. Denmark (2:45 p.m.)

Global Qualifiers: Africa, Asia & Concacaf

While UEFA wrapped up groups, other continents battled for playoff spots:

• Africa: Nigeria defeated DR Congo 3-1 on November 16 to advance to a six-team intercontinental playoff. The tournament will be held in March 2026.
• Asia: Iraq and UAE are locked in a two-legged tie (1-1 draw on Nov 13; second leg Nov 18). The winner advances to the intercontinental playoff.
• Concacaf: Six matches on November 18 (Costa Rica vs. Honduras, Guatemala vs. Suriname, etc.) decided playoff participants, with Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama, and Haiti advancing.

What's Next: The Road to 2026

Teams that didn't qualify directly will enter playoffs in March 2026. UEFA's playoffs involve the best third-placed teams from groups, while Africa and Asia will have their own intercontinental playoff tournaments. This creates a dramatic final hurdle for nations on the bubble.

For UEFA teams like Scotland, Ukraine, and Wales, the next challenge is securing their spot through high-stakes matches. Meanwhile, confirmed qualifiers like France, England, and Norway begin preparing for the expanded 48-team tournament.

Conclusion

The World Cup qualifiers delivered unforgettable moments, from Haaland's goal-scoring prowess to Scotland's last-gasp hope. As the race intensifies, football fans worldwide anticipate the playoffs and the ultimate showdown in 2026. Stay tuned for updates as the journey to the World Cup continues!