Spain and Belgium secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup: European ecstasy!

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 direct spots in the region. Spain tied 2-2 at home against Turkey, but secured first place in Group E, matching Italy’s 31-match unbeaten streak in competitive matches. Dani Olmo scored his 12th goal at the international level for Spain, but Deniz Gul equalized for Turkey in the first half.

We wanted to finish without conceding a goal. A bittersweet taste, but we are happy to qualify for the World Cup.

Dani Olmo

Salih Özcan put Turkey ahead 2-1, but Mikel Oyarzabal equalized for the home side. Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 in Group C, with a bicycle kick goal from Scott McTominay three minutes into the game. Scotland scored two spectacular goals in the added time of the second half to secure the victory at Hampden Park. This victory qualified Scotland for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

We’ve been on a journey. I spoke to them about it before the game, about how this is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. What a night, eh?

Steve Clarke, Scotland manager

Austria secured their spot with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Belgium thrashed Liechtenstein 7-0. Switzerland qualified after a 1-1 draw in Kosovo. Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku each scored two goals to help Belgium seal their fourth consecutive World Cup, despite playing without the injured Kevin De Bruyne. Wales, with a hat-trick from Harry Wilson, secured second place in Belgium’s group after defeating North Macedonia 7-1 at home. The 12 group winners qualified directly, while the runners-up will participate in the play-offs along with the four best group winners from the 2024-25 Nations League who did not finish first or second in their groups during the qualification. The play-offs will take place between March 26th and 31st. The World Cup will be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11th to July 19th.