Complete Groups Look for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Complete Groups Look for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: The Road to America. As of March 25, 2025, the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are either underway or gearing up, with fans already sizing up the favorites and underdogs. With 54 European nations vying for 16 spots at the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the qualification groups promise thrilling battles. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 12 groups as proposed, with insights into the favorites and potential surprises.

A: Germany, Slovakia, Northern Ireland

• Favorite: Germany – Hosts of EURO 2024 and a perennial powerhouse with a mix of young stars (Musiala, Wirtz) and experience.
• Dark Horse: Slovakia – Impressed at EURO 2024 and could aim for a playoff spot.
• Context: Northern Ireland will fight for points but is a clear outsider. Germany dominates this group, with Slovakia eyeing second place.

B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo

• Favorite: Switzerland – Tactical discipline and key players like Xhaka and Akanji.
• Dark Horse: Sweden – With Isak and Gyökeres in top form, they could upset the odds.
• Context: Slovenia (Šeško) and Kosovo are on the rise, but Switzerland is the clear favorite. Sweden will push for a playoff berth.

C: Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Belarus

• Favorite: Denmark – EURO 2020 semifinalists, led by Højlund and Eriksen in fine form.
• Dark Horse: Greece – Showing signs of a revival with their fighting spirit.
• Context: Scotland (McTominay) is competitive, while Belarus lags behind. Denmark should top the group.

D: France, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan

• Favorite: France – 2022 World Cup finalists with a world-class squad (Mbappé, Camavinga).
• Dark Horse: Ukraine – Mudryk and Tsygankov can make a difference.
• Context: Iceland is tenacious, but France is unstoppable. Ukraine targets the playoffs.

E: Spain, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria

• Favorite: Spain – EURO 2024 champions with a stellar young core (Pedri, Yamal).
• Dark Horse: Turkey – Calhanoglu leads an ambitious generation.
• Context: Georgia (Kvaratskhelia) could surprise, but Spain is the standout favorite. Turkey will battle for second.

F: Winner of Portugal vs. Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Armenia

• Favorite: Portugal or Denmark – Portugal (Ronaldo, Fernandes) has experience, while Denmark is in top shape.
• Dark Horse: Hungary – Szoboszlai anchors a strong team.
• Context: Ireland and Armenia are underdogs, but Hungary could challenge for the top spot.

G: Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta

• Favorite: Netherlands – Van Dijk and De Jong lead a consistent side.
• Dark Horse: Poland – Lewandowski can still turn games.
• Context: Finland, Lithuania, and Malta are weaker, but Poland will push for a playoff spot.

H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino

• Favorite: Austria – EURO 2024 surprise package with a modern playing style.
• Dark Horse: Bosnia – 6 points from 2 games (Romania 0-1, Cyprus 2-1). Romania (3 points) is in the mix.
• Context: Cyprus and San Marino are outsiders. Austria and Bosnia lead, with Romania aiming for playoffs.

I: Italy, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova

• Favorite: Italy – EURO 2020 champions with a rich legacy.
• Dark Horse: Norway – Haaland and Ødegaard pose a real threat.
• Context: Israel could surprise, but Italy and Norway will dominate. Estonia and Moldova are outsiders.

J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein

• Favorite: Belgium – De Bruyne and Lukaku spearhead a golden generation’s last hurrah.
• Dark Horse: Wales – Team spirit and experience in clutch moments.
• Context: North Macedonia is dangerous, but Belgium is the clear favorite.

K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra

• Favorite: England – EURO 2024 semifinalists with Bellingham and Kane leading the charge.
• Dark Horse: Serbia – Vlahović and Mitrović can trouble anyone.
• Context: Albania is ambitious, but England will rule. Serbia eyes the playoffs.

L: Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar

• Favorite: Croatia – Modrić (if still playing) and a seasoned squad.
• Dark Horse: Czech Republic – A solid and competitive side.
• Context: Montenegro could upset, but Croatia is favored. Faroe Islands and Gibraltar are long shots.

Competition Format

• Groups of 4 (A-F): Only the winner qualifies directly; second place does not advance to playoffs.
• Groups of 5 (G-L): The winner qualifies directly, and second place goes to the playoffs.
• Playoffs: Features second-placed teams from Groups G-L and the top 4 Nations League group winners not already qualified or in second place, held in March 2026.

General Observations 2026 World Cup

• Top Favorites: France, Germany, Spain, England, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Croatia boast squads and histories that make them frontrunners.
• Potential Surprises: Norway, Bosnia, Hungary, Turkey, and Ukraine could capitalize on any slip-ups.

What’s Next?

Groups G-L are already in action, with Bosnia (H) and others taking early leads. Groups A-F await September 2025, following the Nations League. Which team do you think will dominate its group? Drop a comment below and let’s debate the road to the 2026 World Cup!