The European qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup concluded on Tuesday, with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria clinching the last automatic spots in the region.
Spain played to a 2-2 draw against Turkey at home but still finished atop Group E, extending their unbeaten streak in competitive matches to 31, matching Italy‘s record set between 2018 and 2021.
Spain showcased their early advantage in Seville, with Dani Olmo netting his 12th international goal. However, his effort was equalized by Deniz Gul’s first-half strike, marking the first goal Spain conceded in Group E.
“We aimed to finish without conceding a goal. It’s a bittersweet feeling, but we are happy to have qualified for the World Cup,” Olmo stated.
Turkey improved their performance in the second half, taking the lead with a goal from Salih Özcan. Spain seemed on the verge of their first defeat until Mikel Oyarzabal scored to level the match.
Turkey would have needed to overcome a 14-goal deficit to qualify outright but will now look to the playoffs after ending Spain’s winning streak.
In Group C, Scotland claimed victory over 10-man Denmark with a score of 4-2, featuring a stunning bicycle kick from Scott McTominay three minutes into the match. Scotland secured their win with two late goals after Denmark received a red card.
This marks Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Coach Steve Clarke reflected, “We’ve been on a journey. I reminded them before the match that this was an opportunity we had been waiting for. What a night! This was our chance, one game, and we put everything on the line. There’s always one last step, and it’s usually the hardest.”
A draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina was sufficient for Austria in Group H, while Belgium triumphed over Liechtenstein with a decisive 7-0 win. Switzerland secured their spot after a 1-1 draw with Kosovo.
Belgium, despite the absence of injured star Kevin De Bruyne, celebrated their fourth consecutive World Cup qualification, with Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku each contributing two goals.
Second place in Belgium’s group was claimed by Wales, who overwhelmed North Macedonia 7-1 on home turf, highlighted by a hat trick from Harry Wilson. A draw would have sufficed for North Macedonia, who was already assured a playoff spot through the Nations League.
The twelve group winners qualified automatically, while the runners-up will enter the playoffs alongside the four top-ranking group winners from the 2024-25 Nations League that did not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups.
The playoff matches are scheduled for March 26 and March 31. The World Cup is set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in composing this article.