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FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifying Draw infographic
Graphic shows the European qualifying draw for FIFA World Cup 2026.
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European nations begin road to FIFA World Cup 2026

By Chris Dinsdale

December 13, 2024 - The European qualifying draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada in June-July 2026, has taken place in Zurich, Switzerland. The first qualifying matches get underway in March 2025.

Teams are drawn into six groups of four teams and six groups of five teams, with group winners qualifying directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The runners-up and best performing teams from the UEFA Nations League contest play-offs to decide which four join them.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first edition to feature 48 teams. The group stage will consist of 16 groups of three teams, with top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout rounds.

The tournament will be held in 16 venues across 11 U.S. cities, along with three venues in Mexico and two in Canada.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 13/12/2024; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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