Belgium, Spain, Scotland, Switzerland and Austria reach World Cup 2026

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·18 November 2025

Belgium, Spain, Scotland, Switzerland and Austria reach World Cup 2026

The regular phase of the UEFA Qualifiers has come to an end: Spain, Belgium, Scotland, Austria, and Switzerland are the latest to qualify for the North America 2026 World Cup.

Austria drew 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, and will play in the 2026 World Cup: the visitors took the lead at 12 minutes with a goal from Haris Tabakovic, but Michael Gregoritsch equalized for the locals at 77, snatching the ticket from The Dragons, who finished second and will have another chance in the playoffs.
Spain drew 2-2 against Turkey in Seville and secured their participation in the 2026 World Cup: Dani Olmo put the locals ahead at 4 minutes, Deniz Gul and Salih Ozcan put the Ottoman team in front, but Mikel Oyarzabal established the final equalizer at 62 minutes. The visitors will have a rematch in the playoffs.
Wales defeated North Macedonia 7-1 in Cardiff thanks to goals from Harry Wilson (three, two penalties and one free kick), David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James, and Nathan Broadhead. Thus, they finished second in Zone J and will play in the continental playoffs.
In an epic night, Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 and will play in a World Cup for the first time since 1998. The British took the lead at 2 minutes with an incredible bicycle kick from Scott McTominay, but Rasmus Hojlund equalized with a penalty for the visitors at 58. Lawrence Shankland put the locals ahead again, and Patrick Dorgu leveled the score with 8 minutes remaining. In injury time, Kieran Tierney, with a volley from outside the area, made it 3-2, and Kenny McLean scored the 4-2 from midfield. The Scandinavians will go to the playoffs.
Switzerland drew 1-1 in their visit to Kosovo, finished first in Group B, and will play in the upcoming World Cup, while the locals entered the playoffs. Ruben Vargas scored for the Swiss team, while Florent Muslija equalized for the hosts.
Thanks to goals from Georgi Rusev and Filip Krastev, Bulgaria defeated Georgia 2-1 at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, and secured their participation in the playoffs, while the visitors were left without a chance to enter the top football competition.
Belarus drew goalless against Greece at the ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg (Hungary), and both teams finished behind Denmark and Scotland in Group C and, therefore, will not participate in the next World Cup.
With goals from Hans Vanaken, Jeremy Doku (x2), Brandon Mechele, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Charles de Ketelaere (x2), Belgium thrashed Liechtenstein 7-0 in Liège, secured the top of Group J, and qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup.
Sweden and Slovenia drew 1-1 at the Strawberry Arena, Solna, and both were left out of the World Cup: Timi Elsnik opened the scoring for the visitors at 64 minutes, while Gustav Lundgren decreed the final draw at 87 minutes.
Romania crushed San Marino 7-1 at the Ilie Oană Stadion, Ploiesti, but it was not enough to enter the playoffs, and they were left out of the World Cup, as they finished Group H, four points behind Bosnia and Herzegovina, second. Meanwhile, the microstate's team did not score any points in the tournament.