HEAD-TO-HEADS: KEY UPCOMING EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP
With the restart of the European qualifiers, anticipation for the 2026 World Cup continues to build. This September all European teams will have started their campaign to qualify for the largest Football World Cup ever hosted.
54 nations will battle it out for one of the 16 coveted European slots. 12 group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup. With the 12 group runners-up participating in the play-offs starting in March 2026, along with the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that did not finish their European Qualifiers group stage in first or second place.
After 3 wins earlier on this year, England continue their world cup qualifying campaign with 2 upcoming fixtures; on 6 September against Andorra at Villa Park in Birmingham, and 9 September against Serbia at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade.
European Qualifier Showdowns: Key SEPTEMBER 2025 FIXTURES
Group A: Slovakia vs Germany
Next Qualifying Matches:
- Slovakia vs Germany: Thursday, 4 September 2025
- Germany vs Northern Ireland: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Germany travel to Slovakia for a vital clash that could shape the top of Group A. After a mixed start to their campaign, Germany are looking to bounce back and reassert their dominance, while Slovakia will be hoping to use home advantage to keep their own qualification hopes alive. With both teams eager for momentum, expect a fiercely contested encounter.
Group E: Bulgaria vs Spain
Next Qualifying Matches:
- Bulgaria vs Spain: Thursday, 4 September 2025
- Türkiye vs Spain: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Spain head to Sofia to face Bulgaria in a fixture that could prove decisive in Group E. Spain, still smarting from a recent shoot-out loss in the Nations League final, are determined to get their campaign back on track. Bulgaria, meanwhile, will be desperate to spring an upset in front of their home fans.
Group G: Netherlands vs Poland
Next Qualifying Matches:
- Netherlands vs Poland: Thursday, 4 September 2025
- Lithuania vs Netherlands: Sunday, 7 September 2025
The Netherlands host Poland in Amsterdam in a clash that could go a long way to deciding who tops Group G. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance so far, and this meeting is set to be a showcase of attacking football and tactical intrigue.
Group J: Liechtenstein vs Belgium
Next Qualifying Matches:
- Liechtenstein vs Belgium: Thursday, 4 September 2025
- Belgium vs Kazakhstan: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Belgium travel to Liechtenstein looking to maintain their place at the summit of Group J. After a dramatic win over Wales in their last outing, the Red Devils will want to avoid any slip-ups against the group’s underdogs.
Group F: Armenia vs Portugal
Next Qualifying Matches:
- Armenia vs Portugal: Saturday, 6 September 2025
- Hungary vs Portugal: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Portugal head to Yerevan to face Armenia, with Roberto Martínez’s side keen to underline their status as group favourites. With a deep squad and high expectations, Portugal will be looking for a professional performance to keep their qualification campaign on course.
Group K: England vs Andorra
Next Qualifying Matches:
- England vs Andorra: Saturday, 6 September 2025
- Serbia vs England: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
England return to action against Andorra, aiming to extend their perfect start in Group K. After three wins from three and no goals conceded, Thomas Tuchel’s side will be looking to keep up the momentum and give fringe players a chance to impress.
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