European qualification for the 2026 World Cup concluded on Tuesday, with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria securing the region’s remaining automatic spots.
Although Spain ended in a 2-2 draw with Turkey at home, they were assured of first place in Group E, matching Italy’s 31-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Italy’s records are from 2018 to 2021.
In Group C, Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 in a 10-a-side game, with Scott McTominay scoring a stunning bicycle kick goal in the third minute.
A 1-1 draw at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough for Austria in Group H, but Belgium beat Liechtenstein 7-0. Switzerland qualified with a 1-1 draw with Kosovo.
The 12 group winners will qualify directly, and the second-place teams will participate in the 2024-25 Nations League play-offs along with the top four teams that did not finish first or second in their group.
Playoffs will be held on March 26th and March 31st. The World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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