With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in just over nine months, European football heavyweights, including Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal, are finally starting their qualifying campaigns this week.
The situation in Europe contrasts sharply with other regions. World Cup holders Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador have already secured qualification from South America, while six spots in Asia have also been confirmed.
Europe has 16 qualifying berths, accounting for a third of the total for the first-ever 48-team World Cup. All 12 group winners will automatically qualify, with an additional four spots to be decided via play-offs.
Spain Begins With Tough Fixtures
Spain, ranked second in the world behind Argentina, enter qualification following a penalty shootout loss to Portugal in June’s UEFA Nations League final. La Roja will start with a trip to Bulgaria, followed by a challenging away fixture in Turkey.
Spain’s squad features emerging talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, alongside the returning Rodri from Manchester City after a knee injury. While tipped among the favourites to lift the trophy, coach Luis de la Fuente remains cautious.
“This is a qualifying campaign and it is very difficult. There are a lot of steps to take before getting near the final. Let’s focus on getting there and getting the job done,” De la Fuente said, with Spain also set to face Georgia in Group E.
France Eyes Final Send-Off for Deschamps
France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, are looking to finish strong under coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years in charge. The squad faces Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan in Group F.
“Qualifying for the World Cup has never been a formality. It can be ruthless and unforgiving at the highest level,” said Deschamps, who has included Liverpool’s new signing Hugo Ekitike in his squad.
Portugal and Germany Gear Up
Portugal, fresh from their UEFA Nations League victory, face away games against Armenia and Hungary, mourning the tragic death of Diogo Jota. Veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, is expected to continue leading the team.
Germany, ranked ninth globally and seeking a return to major tournament prominence, open with fixtures against Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg in Group A. Young stars like Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade bolster Julian Nagelsmann’s squad.
Italy in Early Trouble
Italy faces a challenging qualifying campaign after a poor start and the departure of coach Luciano Spalletti following a 3-0 loss to Norway in June. Under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri aim to recover against Estonia and Israel in Group I, trailing leaders Norway by nine points with two games in hand.
England and Other Contenders
England, under Thomas Tuchel, have started strong with three wins from three, all clean sheets, and face Andorra at Villa Park before traveling to Serbia. Meanwhile, qualifying battles in other groups promise drama, with Switzerland vs Sweden in Group B, Denmark leading Group C, and Wales aiming to challenge Belgium in Group J.
As the European qualifiers commence, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which traditional powers secure their place in next year’s World Cup in North America.
Source – My News Ghana
