Intense Battle for World Cup Spots: 11 Nations Vie for Final Automatic Qualification Places
Across Europe, the race for the 2026 World Cup is reaching a fever pitch, with 11 national teams poised to contest the final five automatic qualification spots in a series of crucial matches this week. The Netherlands and Germany have already secured their places, but the remaining contenders are locked in tight battles across several qualifying groups, promising dramatic finishes and potential heartbreak.
Thes final group stage matches will determine which nations join the hosts - the United States, Canada, and Mexico – at the expanded 48-team tournament. The stakes are immense, as failing to qualify automatically forces teams into a perhaps treacherous playoff route. Groups C, E, H, and J are set to deliver particularly tense showdowns, with several teams still capable of reaching the finals.
Denmark and Scotland will face off in a decisive group C clash, with the winner securing automatic qualification. In Group E, Spain holds a strong advantage and needs only a draw against Türkiye to book their spot, while Türkiye will need a win. Group H sees Austria and Bosnia Herzegovina battling for supremacy,separated by just two points,with both needing a victory to advance. Group J is the most unpredictable, featuring Belgium, North Macedonia, and Wales, all still in contention for the final automatic berth. Belgium leads the group but faces Liechtenstein,while North macedonia and Wales will play a pivotal,winner-takes-all match.
Switzerland is also on the verge of qualification from Group B, needing only a draw against Kosovo to confirm their place. These matches, scheduled for the coming days, will ultimately decide the final European representatives in the 2026 World Cup.