Club World Cup: key matches to watch for World Cup qualification ⚡️ | OneFootball

The final day of qualifications for the 2026 World Cup is a true whirlwind of tension and mathematical calculations, with qualification hanging by a thread in many groups across Europe and CONCACAF. The complex combinations of results and goal differences promise an unforgettable outcome for this group stage.

🇪🇺 Europe: Belgium plays with fire

In Europe, all eyes are on the direct confrontations that will determine the group leaders. The matches between Scotland-Denmark and Austria-Bosnia-Herzegovina are decisive.

Scotland absolutely must beat Denmark to qualify directly, while a draw would suffice for the Danes to qualify. Similarly, Bosnia-Herzegovina must win in Vienna against Austria, who would qualify for the World Cup with a draw. These encounters are the epitome of "all or nothing".

On the other hand, nations like Spain (against Turkey) and Switzerland (against Kosovo) have almost secured their place in the next round. These two countries must avoid a defeat by six goals or more, a scenario their opponents find unlikely.

The group of Belgium is the most complex in terms of calculations. The Belgians, who face Liechtenstein, only need a victory to qualify. However, the chances of North Macedonia and Wales are mathematically slim and rely on spectacular victories (by 7 and 11 goals respectively) combined with a Belgian misstep. The risk is low, but it forces the Belgians to stay focused.

🌎 CONCACAF: half the continent on alert

The CONCACAF zone is not lacking in excitement, with three direct qualifying spots and playoff spots still up for grabs.

The duel between Suriname and Panama is the most complex, as both teams can qualify for the World Cup. Suriname must win and Panama must lose, or if both teams win, they must have a better goal difference. Panama has the advantage: it qualifies if it wins and Suriname does not, or if it wins with a four-goal difference more than its Caribbean rival.

The second direct qualifying spot will be contested between Jamaica and Curaçao. The calculation is simpler: Jamaica must win to qualify, while Curaçao can settle for a draw.

Finally, the fate of the Honduras-Haiti-Costa Rica group will be decided in the final minutes. Honduras must win and Haiti must lose. Haiti is in a similar situation: if both teams win, it must win by at least two goals more than Honduras. Costa Rica's hopes rest on a victory and a defeat for Haiti. The final standings will determine the winner of one of the most open qualifying rounds.

🌏 AFC: final duel in Iraq

Attention is also focused on the Middle East, where the final phase of Asian qualifications is taking place. Iraq hosts the United Arab Emirates in Basra for the second leg of the continental playoffs. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, everything is still possible. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time and a penalty shootout will decide the teams, and the winner will qualify for the intercontinental playoffs in March.

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

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