Only England have qualified so far, and there is sure to be drama aplenty over the next week as everyone else battles to join them
Could the unthinkable happen? Germany have never failed to qualify for the World Cup but the four-time champions can’t afford slip-ups if they are to seal top spot after losing against Slovakia in their opening game. Julian Nagelsmann’s side lead Slovakia on goal difference and need to beat Luxembourg on Friday and see whether Northern Ireland – guaranteed a playoff after finishing top of their Nations League group – can do them any favours in Slovakia on the same night. Germany finish against Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday in what could be a winner-takes-all showdown. Teams finishing second go into the playoffs.
Written by Ed Aarons
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/11/world-cup-2026-european-qualifying-when-how-and-who-needs-what-football under the title “World Cup 2026 European qualifying: when, how and who needs what?”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
