The UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifying group stage reached its conclusion on Tuesday, with 12 nationwide groups, together with Spain, Austria, and Belgium, securing their spots within the match to be held in North America. Nevertheless, one stage stays, as Robert Lewandowski’s Poland and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Italy each completed second of their teams and should now struggle for qualification by means of the UEFA World Cup playoffs alongside 14 different nations.
Italy’s destiny was sealed on Monday when Erling Haaland’s Norway surprised the Azzurri with a 4–1 win, locking Italy into second place in Group I. Lewandowski’s Poland suffered the same final result, with the Netherlands topping Group G on 20 factors, leaving the Polish facet in second with 17.
On Tuesday, the remaining teams wrapped up, finalizing not solely the nations which have already booked their tickets to the World Cup but in addition those who should qualify by way of the playoffs. Twelve nationwide groups superior to the playoffs by ending second of their qualifying teams, whereas 4 others earned spots primarily based on their efficiency in the latest UEFA Nations League.
Which nationwide groups will play within the UEFA World Cup playoffs?
UEFA nationwide groups certified for the 2026 World Cup playoffs as second-place finishers within the qualifiers:
- Slovakia
- Kosovo
- Denmark
- Ukraine
- Turkey
- Eire
- Poland
- Bosnia & Hezergovina
- Italy
- Wales
- Albania
- Czech Republic
UEFA nationwide groups certified for the 2026 World Cup playoffs by way of the Nations League:
- North Macedonia
- Romania
- Sweden
- Northern Eire
see additionally
European World Cup qualifiers: Last standings in every group after the November FIFA break
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