As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approach a decisive stage, England, Portugal, and Norway are emerging as frontrunners in their respective European qualifying groups. With just two rounds of fixtures remaining, each team stands on the brink of securing a spot at next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
England, led by Thomas Tuchel, continue their dominant run in Group K, having not conceded a single goal in five qualifiers. Their emphatic 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade last month sent a clear message to rivals. A win against Latvia in Riga on Tuesday could confirm their qualification—provided Serbia fail to beat Albania this weekend.
England currently sit seven points clear of Albania with three games remaining, while Serbia trail further behind with one match in hand. Tuchel’s decision to rest key players such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish underscores his confidence in the squad’s depth. “Keep on pushing,” Tuchel told the press. “The September camp was our best so far in terms of team spirit and cohesion, so we decided to maintain the same group to build on that success.”
Meanwhile, Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, have been unstoppable in Group F, scoring eight goals in their last two outings. The team can confirm qualification with victories against the Republic of Ireland and Hungary, unless Armenia pull off a stunning double win over both opponents. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored three goals in September—including a decisive strike in a 3-2 win over Hungary—remains at the forefront of Portugal’s campaign as they target a seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.
Norway are also on the verge of ending their long World Cup drought, with the team’s last appearance dating back to 1998. Inspired by Erling Haaland’s phenomenal form—nine goals so far, including five in an 11-1 demolition of Moldova—the Norwegians could secure qualification with a victory over Israel on Saturday, provided Italy fail to win their remaining fixtures.
However, Norway will have to cope without captain Martin Ødegaard, who suffered a knee injury while playing for Arsenal. Coach Ståle Solbakken acknowledged the setback but remained positive: “We lost our captain, and of course that hurts, but now we have to think constructively and move forward.”
Elsewhere, France, Spain, Croatia, and Switzerland are also within touching distance of qualification. France could book their ticket with wins over Azerbaijan and Iceland, while Spain’s path depends on results in Group E, where multiple outcomes must align in their favor.
In contrast, Germany face a more challenging route after a surprising defeat to Slovakia in their opening qualifier. Julian Nagelsmann’s side will look to regain control with upcoming fixtures against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
As the qualifiers edge toward conclusion, the European race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises high drama, fierce competition, and a mix of redemption and resurgence for football’s biggest names.
