Informação
The 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers features 54 teams, which are divided into 12 groups. The 12 group winners will qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup finals.
Points Rules
The ranking of teams in each group is determined as follows:
(I) Match Points:
Win: 3 points
Draw: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
(II) Tie-Breakers (in order):
If two or more teams are equal on points after the group stage, their ranking will be determined by applying the following criteria:
Goal difference
Goals scored
Head-to-head record (in order):
a. Points obtained
b. Goal difference
c. Goals scored
d. Away goals scored
Play-offs
The 12 group runners-up will advance to the play-offs.
They will be joined by four teams from the UEFA Nations League ranking (the four best-ranked Nations League group winners who have not finished in the top two of their qualifying group).
A total of 16 teams will compete for the remaining four spots in the World Cup Finals.
The 16 teams will be drawn into four play-off groups, which will consist of single-leg knockout semi-finals and finals.
The four group winners will qualify for the World Cup Finals.
