World Cup 2026 European qualifying: when, how and who needs what?

England are the only European team qualified so far for World Cup 2026. How needs what and when of the other nations? 

Spain's Borja Iglesias challenges Bulgaria's goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Group A: Germany under pressure

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.