Ten teams could qualify for the 2026 World Cup in November.
From November 13-15, a series of scenarios could help France, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and others secure their places in the finals. In Concacaf, Honduras and Jamaica also have a chance to achieve their goal early.
November opens the decisive door for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With 28 teams already officially qualified, a host of European giants have the opportunity to secure their tickets within days, while Concacaf could determine its first representative as early as November 13th.
Europe: The November 13-15 window is decisive.
UEFA is in the spotlight. After England became the first team from the continent to qualify, many other teams could follow suit if they meet the requirements.
- FranceThey could secure qualification on November 13th if they defeat Ukraine.
- SwitzerlandThey will secure their place on November 15th if they beat Sweden and Kosovo do not beat Slovenia.
- BelgiumTickets will officially be available if they beat Kazakhstan (November 15th).
- NetherlandsThey will qualify on November 14th if they beat Poland.
- CroatiaJust avoid defeat against the Faroe Islands to secure your spot.
- ShirtThey could celebrate on November 15th if they beat Cyprus and Bosnia & Herzegovina fail to beat Romania.
- PortugalThey will advance on November 13 if they beat the Republic of Ireland; or draw with Ireland and Hungary do not beat Armenia.
- NorwayTickets will be awarded if Italy wins against Estonia and Italy does not win against Moldova; or if there is a draw against Estonia and Italy loses to Moldova.
- SpainThey will advance on November 15 if they beat Georgia and Türkiye do not win against Bulgaria.
The pressure to make independent decisions and the "dependent scenario"
Most of the leading teams have their fate in their own hands with direct wins. Others need additional conditions from parallel matches (Kosovo - Slovenia, Hungary - Armenia, Italy - Moldova, Türkiye - Bulgaria). The window of November 13-15 therefore turns every 90 minutes into a do-or-die situation: one goal could change the entire course of the game.
Concacaf: Awaiting its first representative
With Honduras and Jamaica failing to secure a victory in the opening round of October, November presents an opportunity for the region to determine the first team to qualify.
- HondurasThey could qualify on November 13 if they beat Nicaragua and Costa Rica draws with Haiti.
- Jamaica: Guaranteed qualification on the same day if they beat Trinidad and Tobago and Curacao lose to Bermuda.
The Concacaf group stage is very close, where small mistakes can cost teams dearly.
Other areas: the situation has taken shape.
Africa (CAF)
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, and South Africa have qualified. The four best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage to compete for a spot in the intercontinental play-offs.
Asia (AFC)
Qatar and Saudi Arabia secured the last two direct qualification spots on October 14th. Now, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates will face each other in two legs for a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
Oceania (OFC)
Despite being defeated by New Zealand in the qualifying final, New Caledonia still has a chance as they will participate in the Intercontinental Play-offs.
South America (CONMEBOL)
Six direct qualification spots have already been secured. Bolivia hopes to become the seventh team to qualify for the Intercontinental Play-offs, joining New Caledonia and four other teams.
The rhythm of November: brief, harsh, decisive.
The middle of November brings the pressure of the entire campaign to a head: the leading team needs a win to "lock the door," while the chasing team awaits a slip-up from their rivals. As the clock ticks from November 13th to 15th, each possible scenario will become crucial in determining who qualifies for the 2026 World Cup.
