UEFA sets World Cup 2026 qualifying draw
In a significant development for international football, UEFA has conducted its Preliminary Draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The qualifying matches are scheduled from March to November 2025, maintaining the traditional format of 12 groups with four to five teams each.
The competition structure ensures automatic World Cup qualification for all group winners, while the remaining four spots will be determined through a 16-team UEFA playoff in March 2026. This playoff will include the 12 group runners-up and the four highest-ranked UEFA Nations League 2024-25 group winners who haven't already qualified.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will make history as the first tournament to feature 48 teams, with Europe contributing 16 national teams. The expanded format will include 12 groups and 104 matches, commencing on June 11 at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium and concluding on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The qualifying groups have been drawn, with several notable matchups. The final group composition awaits the results of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, particularly affecting Groups A, C, D, E, F, G, I, and L. Major football nations like England, Belgium, and Switzerland have received their group assignments, with England placed in Group K alongside Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra.
Traditional powerhouses such as Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark, France, and Croatia will know their final group placements after their UEFA Nations League quarter final matches. Teams vie for their place in this historic World Cup edition, which will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The tournament's expanded format and extended duration mark a new era in World Cup history, offering more nations the opportunity to compete on football's biggest stage.
