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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers, Matchday 1-2 infographic
Graphic shows European qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026, with fixtures for first two matchdays.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Matchday 1-2

By Chris Dinsdale

March 21, 2025 - March 25, 2025 - FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying begins as European nations start on the road to board the plane for the tournament, hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada. German coach Thomas Tuchel begins reign as England coach with matches against Albania and Latvia at Wembley.

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: 18/03/2025; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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