European Teams Secure World Cup Qualifications

The European qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup concluded on Tuesday, with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria securing the region’s final automatic qualification spots.

Spain played to a 2-2 draw against Turkey at home, yet still topped Group E, thereby matching Italy’s record of 31 consecutive unbeaten competitive matches, previously set between 2018 and 2021.

The match in Seville saw the hosts capitalize on their early dominance, with Dani Olmo netting his twelfth international goal. However, this lead was quickly nullified by Deniz Gul’s equalizer, marking the first goal that Spain conceded in Group E.

“We wanted to finish without conceding a goal. Although it leaves a bittersweet taste, we are pleased to have qualified for the World Cup,” Olmo commented after the match.

Turkey exhibited stronger performance after halftime, taking a 2-1 lead through Salih Özcan, leaving Spain vulnerable to their first defeat. Nevertheless, Mikel Oyarzabal equalized for the hosts, helping secure their qualification despite Turkey’s efforts.

In Group C, Scotland triumphed over ten-man Denmark with a score of 4-2, featuring an impressive bicycle kick from Scott McTominay just three minutes into the match. Scotland scored two additional goals during added time in the second half, sealing their victory at Hampden Park and earning their first World Cup berth since 1998.

“We’ve been on a journey. I discussed the opportunity with the team before the match, emphasizing that this was our awaited moment. What a night it has been!” said Scotland’s coach Steve Clarke. “This match was like a playoff final, and we left everything on the field. The final step is always the most challenging.”

Austria secured their qualification with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group H, while Belgium dominated Liechtenstein with a 7-0 victory. Switzerland also qualified after their 1-1 draw with Kosovo.

Belgium, without their injured star Kevin De Bruyne, saw Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku each scoring twice to ensure their fourth consecutive World Cup qualification. Wales finished second in Belgium’s group, defeating North Macedonia 7-1 at home, with Harry Wilson scoring a hat trick. A draw would have sufficed for North Macedonia, as both teams already secured playoff spots via the Nations League.

The twelve group winners qualified directly for the tournament, while the runners-up will compete in playoffs alongside the four highest-ranked group winners from the 2024-25 Nations League that did not finish first or second during qualification.

The playoffs are scheduled for March 26 and March 31, and the World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.