Sixteen European nations secure 2026 FIFA World Cup places
Staff Reporter 16 UEFA teams will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Europe securing its largest allocation yet for the expanded 48-team tournament. The qualification process, organised under a revised UEFA format, saw group winners book direct places while second-placed teams advanced to play-offs alongside select UEFA Nations League qualifiers. The European campaign ... The post Sixteen European nations secure 2026 FIFA World Cup places appeared first on Informanté .
Staff Reporter 16 UEFA teams will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Europe securing its largest allocation yet for the expanded 48-team tournament. The qualification process, organised under a revised UEFA format, saw group winners book direct places while second-placed teams advanced to play-offs alongside select UEFA Nations League qualifiers. The European campaign produced a strong mix of established powers and returning nations, with several teams ending long absences from football’s global showpiece.
UEFA will be represented by Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Türkiye. Austria return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years after topping Group H under coach Ralf Rangnick. They sealed qualification with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna in November 2025, finishing ahead of Romania, Cyprus and San Marino.
Led by David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic, Austria topped their group after a dominant campaign that included a record 10-0 win over San Marino. Belgium will feature at a fourth successive World Cup after finishing top of Group J. Rudi Garcia’s side went unbeaten through qualifying, sealing their place with a 7-0 win over Liechtenstein.
