2026 qualifiers: Spain and Belgium cruise, Germany stunned | OneFootball

The European qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, immediately deliver surprises.

2026 World Cup Qualifications: Spain and Belgium dominate, Germany shockingly defeated

Spain opens with a clear away victory, Belgium overwhelms Liechtenstein, while Germany surprisingly falls to Slovakia.

Group A: Germany defeated, Northern Ireland smiles

Poor start for Germany, defeated 2-0 at Slovakia's home. Nagelsmann's team dominated possession but conceded a goal in each half: Hancko at the 42nd minute and Strelec at the 55th secured three points for the hosts.

In the other match, Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg 3-1 thanks to goals from Reid, Charles, and Devenny. The group opens with Slovakia and Northern Ireland at 3 points, Germany and Luxembourg stuck at zero.

Group E: Spain immediately convincing, Turkey narrowly wins

The Red Fury starts well, winning 3-0 against Bulgaria. All in the first half: Oyarzabal (5’) opens the scoring, Cucurella (30’) doubles it, and Merino (38’) seals the deal.

Turkey overcomes Georgia 3-2 in an exciting match: leading 3-0 with Muldur and Akturkoglu's double, the Turks risked at the end after goals from Davitashvili and Kvaratskhelia and Yilmaz's expulsion.

Group G: draws for Netherlands and Lithuania

The Netherlands misses the chance to extend their lead, being held to a 1-1 draw by Poland after Dumfries' initial goal and Cash's equalizer in the 80th minute.

Lithuania also draws 1-1 against Malta thanks to a penalty converted by Gineitis in the 96th minute, in a match that ended with two expulsions on each side. In the standings, Netherlands, Poland, and Finland are at 7 points, followed by Lithuania (3) and Malta (2).

Group J: Belgium devastating, Wales solid

Belgium crushes Liechtenstein with a tennis-like 6-0: De Cuyper starts the scoring, followed by doubles from Tielemans and Theate, along with goals from Malick Fofana and Meunier.

Wales wins 1-0 in Kazakhstan thanks to Moore and leads the group with 10 points in 5 games, followed by North Macedonia (8), Belgium (7 with three games played), Kazakhstan (3), and Liechtenstein (0).

A round that reopens the games

Germany's defeat complicates Nagelsmann's team's race, while Spain and Belgium confirm their role as favorites. Turkey and Wales keep pace, but the road to the World Cup is still long.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.