The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, with 16 spots available for teams from Europe. Both England and France have already secured their qualifications after topping Groups K and D respectively. The tournament is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
European Teams Securing Their Spot for World Cup 2026
How Qualification Works
In total, 16 UEFA nations will gain entry to the World Cup. The 12 group winners will advance directly, while the remaining four spots will be determined through playoffs. These playoffs will involve the 12 runnersup from the groups along with the top four group winners from the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that did not secure a first or secondplace finish.
England’s Qualification Journey
- Group: K winners
- Best World Cup Performance: Winners (1966)
- Most Recent Appearance: 2022 (quarterfinals)
Under new coach Thomas Tuchel, England started strong. They achieved a flawless record, securing 18 points from six matches. The team scored 18 goals and notably didn’t concede any. Harry Kane continues to be a pivotal player, supported by emerging talents like Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson.
France’s Qualification Success
- Group: D winners
- Best World Cup Performance: Winners (1998, 2018)
- Most Recent Appearance: 2022 (runnersup)
Les Bleus have qualified for their eighth consecutive World Cup. With a squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, France looks strong as they aim for a third consecutive final appearance. Coach Didier Deschamps has a wealth of talent to rely on as they prepare for the tournament in North America.
Nations League Playoffs Overview
The playoffs will determine the four remaining spots at the World Cup:
- Path A: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France
- Path B: England, Norway, Wales, Czechia
- Path C: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland
- Path D: Moldova, San Marino
The final rankings from the 2024/25 Nations League will be vital for teams aiming for a World Cup position. This sets the stage for an exciting leadup to the tournament as European nations compete for a chance to shine on the world stage.