Spain, Belgium, and Scotland Secure Their Spot in the 2026 World Cup
The European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup concluded this Tuesday, with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria securing the last automatic spots in the region. Spain tied 2-2 at home against Turkey, but still secured first place in Group E and equaled Italy’s 31-match unbeaten streak in official matches. Italy’s record stood between 2018 and 2021. The home side took advantage of their early dominance in Seville when Dani Olmo scored his 12th international goal, but Deniz Gul equalized in the first half, the first goal Spain had conceded in Group E.Turkey was the better team at the start of the second period and was rewarded when Salih Özcan gave them a 2-1 lead, forcing Spain to fight to avoid their first defeat, until Mikel Oyarzabal equalized for the home side. Visitors needed to complete the almost impossible task of overturning a 14-goal difference for qualification, but will have to settle for a play-off spot despite ending Spain’s winning streak. Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 in Group C, with Scott McTominay scoring a magnificent overhead kick goal three minutes into the match. Scotland scored a couple of stellar goals in the added time of the second half, after Denmark suffered a sending-off, to secure the victory at Hampden Park. The victory took Scotland to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.We wanted to finish without conceding a goal. A bittersweet taste, but we are happy to qualify for the World Cup.
Dani Olmo
A 1-1 draw at home against Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough for Austria in Group H, while Belgium thrashed Liechtenstein 7-0. Switzerland qualified after a 1-1 draw in Kosovo. Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku each scored a pair of goals to help Belgium secure their fourth consecutive World Cup, despite playing without the injured Kevin De Bruyne. The second place in Belgium’s group went to Wales after they thrashed North Macedonia 7-1 at home with a hat-trick from Harry Wilson. A draw would have been enough for North Macedonia, as both they and Wales were assured of the play-offs through the Nations League. The 12 group winners qualified directly, while the runners-up will participate in the play-offs along with the four highest-ranked group winners from the 2024-25 Nations League who did not finish first or second in their groups during qualification. The playoffs will take place on March 26 and 31. The World Cup will be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.We’ve been on a journey. I spoke to them before the game, about how this is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. What a night, eh? This was the opportunity, a game. This was like a play-off final. We put everything on the line. There’s always a final step and it’s always the most difficult.
Steve Clarke, Scotland coach
