Crucial November Matches for World Cup 2026 Qualification

Post by : Mara Rahim

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey is at a pivotal juncture, with 29 out of 48 spots already confirmed. Upcoming international matches this November are crucial for teams aiming to secure their participation. European nations, in particular, have significant opportunities to qualify this week.

Confirmed Teams for the 2026 World Cup

This World Cup will feature a record 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32. It is set to take place across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States, all of which are automatic qualifiers as hosts.

A total of eight Asian nations have booked their places: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
In Africa, nine teams qualified: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
From Europe, England and France have secured their spots.
New Zealand represents Oceania.
In South America, the six teams that qualified include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
No teams from North and Central America (Concacaf) have qualified yet, except for the hosts.

Teams Contending for Qualification in November

November's matches are crucial as various teams will have chances to confirm their World Cup participation.

Austria: Austria could qualify for the first time since 1998 by winning against Cyprus on November 15. They also need Bosnia and Herzegovina to draw with Romania.

Belgium: A win against Kazakhstan on November 15 would secure Belgium's spot, marking their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.

Honduras: Honduras can qualify by defeating Nicaragua on November 13 and needing a draw between Costa Rica and Haiti.

Jamaica: For Jamaica to return to the World Cup after 1998, they must win against Trinidad and Tobago on November 13, while Bermuda must take down Curaçao.

Netherlands: The Dutch will qualify by beating Poland on November 14, following missed chances in 2002 and 2018.

Norway: Norway needs at least a draw against Estonia on November 13, with a Moldova win against Italy necessary for qualification. Star player Erling Haaland aims for his first World Cup.

Portugal: Portugal can qualify with a victory over Ireland on November 13; a draw may suffice if Armenia also does well against Hungary. This could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth appearance in a World Cup.

Spain: Spain’s path to qualification requires a victory against Georgia on November 15, along with a non-win for Türkiye against Bulgaria.

Switzerland: Switzerland can qualify with a win or draw versus Sweden on November 15 but will need Slovenia’s assistance for this to succeed.

Distribution of World Cup Spots

FIFA allocates the 48 World Cup spots as follows:

• Hosts (3): Canada, Mexico, USA

• Asia (8 places): All spots filled; one additional team will enter an intercontinental playoff.

• Africa (9 places): Top teams qualify; best runners-up head into playoffs.

• Concacaf (3 places): Winners qualify; runners-up will enter playoffs.

• Europe (16 places): Group winners qualify; playoffs occur in March 2026.

• Oceania (1 place): New Zealand has qualified.

• South America (6 places): All spots filled; Bolivia goes into playoffs.

• Intercontinental playoff (2 places): Set for March 2026 in Mexico.