The 16 European teams set to compete at the 2026 World Cup have been confirmed
At the end of the group stage, Austria, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, France, Croatia, Switzerland and Scotland secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Following the play-offs, they were joined by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Austria
Austria qualified for the tournament as winners of Group H. This will be their eighth World Cup and their first since 1998. The team’s best result remains third place in 1954. In qualifying, Ralf Rangnick’s side finished ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania. Marco Arnautović scored eight goals, whilst David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Michael Gregoritsch also played key roles.
Belgium
Belgium won Group J and qualified for the World Cup finals for the fourth time in a row. The team secured their place after a 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein. The national team’s best result at the World Cup is third place in 2018. After being knocked out in the group stage in 2022, the Belgians have qualified for the tournament once again with Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified via the play-offs in Path A. The team defeated Wales and Italy on penalties and will play in the final stages of a major tournament for the second time in their history, following the 2014 World Cup. Sergej Barbarez’s side continues to rely on Edin Džeko. Sead Kolašinac plays a key role in defence.
England
England topped Group K. Following their defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final, Thomas Tuchel took charge of the team. In their first six qualifying matches, the English side picked up 18 points with a goal difference of 18:0. Harry Kane remains the team’s leader, whilst Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson are also highlighted in the text. England’s best result at the World Cup is their victory in 1966.
Germany
Germany finished top of Group A. The team began the qualifiers with a 0–2 defeat to Slovakia, but in the final round they beat the same opponents 6–0 to secure first place. Following the 2014 World Cup-winning generation, the national team is now led by a new wave of players, including Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Nick Woltemade. Germany are four-time World Cup champions.
Spain
Spain won Group E. The reigning European champions dropped points for the first time only in their final match against Turkey at home. Their away wins against Turkey and Bulgaria were particularly impressive, with Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal scoring. Spain will be looking to repeat their success of 2010.
Netherlands
The Netherlands topped Group G, finishing ahead of Poland. The team secured their place after a home win against Lithuania in the final round. Memphis Depay was prolific in attack, whilst Virgil van Dijk remained a key figure in defence. The Netherlands have reached the World Cup final three times but have never won the tournament.
Norway
Norway won Group I and will play in the World Cup for the first time in 18 years. The team concluded the qualifiers with a resounding victory over Italy. Erling Haaland scored 16 goals, whilst Martin Ødegaard provided seven assists. The national team’s best result remains reaching the round of 16.
Portugal
Portugal qualified for the tournament as winners of Group F. A big win over Armenia in the tenth round secured the team’s seventh consecutive World Cup appearance. Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes set the tone in midfield, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the attack. Portugal’s best World Cup finish is third place in 1966.
Turkey
Turkey qualified via the play-offs in Path C following victories over Romania and Kosovo. Vincenzo Montella’s side will be playing at the World Cup for the first time since 2002. The squad features Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız and Arda Güler. Turkey’s best result remains third place in 2002.
France
France won Group D and qualified for their eighth consecutive World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ side, led by Kylian Mbappé, will head to North America as one of the favourites. France won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018, and finished as runners-up in 2022.
Croatia
Croatia topped Group L with six wins and one draw from seven matches. The team remains under the management of Zlatko Dalić, with 40-year-old Luka Modrić playing in midfield. After finishing second in 2018 and third in 2022, the Croatians have once again qualified for the tournament.
Czech
Republic The Czech Republic qualified via the play-offs in Path D. The team first defeated Ireland on penalties, and then did the same against Denmark. The 74-year-old Miroslav Koubek became head coach in December 2025. The text notes that he drew on the experience of Vladimír Coufal, Tomáš Souček and Patrik Schick.
Switzerland
Switzerland won Group B and qualified for their sixth consecutive World Cup. Following the end of Xherdan Shaqiri’s international career, the team still retained a strong squad, featuring Manuel Akanji, Granit Xhaka, Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo. The Swiss’s best result remains reaching the quarter-finals.
Sweden
Sweden qualified for the tournament via the Play-offs Path B, beating Ukraine and Poland. Graham Potter led the team to their first World Cup since 2018. The text specifically highlights strikers Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak. Sweden’s best result is reaching the final in 1958.
Scotland
Scotland won Group C and will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The decisive factor was their victory over Denmark in the final round at Hampden Park. The team is managed by Steve Clarke. The article names Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour as key players.
The final two World Cup places will be contested on 1 April by DR Congo and Jamaica, as well as Iraq and Bolivia.
The Ukraine national team lost 1-3 to Sweden in the semi-finals of the play-offs for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The final tournament of the 23rd FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
