World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Schedule and Stakes

The 2026 World Cup is expanding. With 48 teams instead of 32, the path to the North American pitches is both more open and more contested than ever. The World Cup 2026 qualifying matches are in full swing, and for French-speaking supporters, the stakes are already immense. Here's what you need to know.

An Expanded Format That Redistributes Spots

For the first time in its history, the World Cup will host 48 national teams. This is not just a matter of numbers: it concretely changes the chances of qualification depending on the zones. UEFA increases to 16 spots, including 12 direct ones. The OFC, long marginalized, gets at least one direct spot. Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as host nations, are automatically qualified and are preparing for the event without going through the qualifiers.

Globally, 899 matches have already been played for 2,527 goals. The official FIFA website details the entire setup.

Who Has Already Qualified?

Apart from the three host countries, no team from Asia or South America has yet secured its direct ticket. The qualifying phases remain open and very tight in these zones. In Oceania, New Zealand beat New Caledonia 3-0 in March 2025, opening the door to intercontinental playoffs, not direct qualification.

The Journey of French-Speaking Nations

The French Team in Group D

Les Bleus occupy the first place in Group D, ahead of Ukraine. As reigning World Cup runners-up, they approach this campaign with their usual ambition. Every match counts, and the next international windows will be closely watched by supporters.

The Africa Zone

African qualifiers have a reputation for being among the most unpredictable. Teams like Morocco, Senegal, and Ivory Coast are among the serious contenders, but the competition is dense there, and surprises are frequent. Complete data on African groups and standings remains partial at this stage.

Matches to Follow in the UEFA Zone

Three direct spots have been secured in Europe. Many more remain to be allocated, and the upcoming matchdays promise to be decisive. Some fixtures to watch: Scotland against Denmark, where a Scottish victory could be enough to confirm their qualification; Norway against Italy; Spain against Turkey. Switzerland, meanwhile, will challenge Kosovo in a match that could also be crucial.

These encounters already feel like finals. Find our complete qualifiers schedule to not miss anything.

Key Results and Trends

In Europe, Germany dominates Group A with 15 points in 6 matches, with Slovakia following with 12 points. Erling Haaland continues to show impressive statistics with 16 goals for Norway. As for surprises, Belgium's draw against Kazakhstan caused a small sensation, as did Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland.

These unexpected results remind us that nothing is decided yet. Consult all the detailed results on our dedicated page.

Sports Betting on the Qualifiers

For those following the qualifiers with an interest in predictions, Dexsport offers odds on numerous football matches, including the qualifiers. The platform relies on blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security of transactions. To explore the available options, their football section covers all ongoing competitions. Resources like Decrypt also allow for a better understanding of how these decentralized platforms work.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the next World Cup 2026 qualifying matches take place?

The final phases of the UEFA qualifiers are fast approaching. The OFC zone completed its campaign in March 2025. Other international windows are on the horizon with confrontations that could change everything.

How many countries will qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

48 teams will participate in the tournament, compared to 32 in previous editions.

Which teams are favorites to qualify in the Europe zone?

Germany (Group A), France (Group D), and Spain are among the best placed. Norway, Switzerland, and Scotland are also in good standing according to current rankings.

How to follow the results of the World Cup 2026 qualifying matches?

ESPN, NBC, and Soccer365 offer real-time updates with detailed analyses and statistics by group.

Have there been any major surprises in the current qualifying encounters?

Several. Belgium's draw against Kazakhstan surprised everyone, and Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland fueled debates. The 2026 qualifiers are not done delivering twists and turns.