Spain, Scotland and Switzerland qualify for 2026 World Cup

November 19, 2025 / 12:09 PM

Sharjah24: Spain booked their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with a 2-2 draw against Turkey in Group E. They join seven other European teams—Germany, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, and Croatia—who had already qualified. Four remaining European spots will be decided through the play-offs.

Twelve teams finished second in their groups to enter the play-offs: Slovakia, Kosovo, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, Albania, Czech Republic, and four-time champions Italy.

Four additional play-off spots go to the best Nations League group winners who finished outside the top two: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Northern Ireland.

In Seville, Spain conceded for the first time in the qualifiers, drawing 2-2 with Turkey. Spain reached 16 points, three ahead of Turkey, while Georgia finished third with three points, level with bottom-placed Bulgaria. Turkey has not beaten Spain since the 1954 World Cup, their only win in 13 meetings.

Goals: Spain – Dani Olmo (4), Mikel Oyarzabal (62); Turkey – Deniz Gül (42), Salih Özcan (54).

Scotland returns to World Cup since 1998

Scotland reached the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, defeating Denmark 4-2. Scotland seemed headed for the play-offs after Denmark equalised 2-2 in the 82nd minute, but late goals from substitutes Kieran Tierney (90+3) and Kenny McLean (90+9) secured the win and top spot in Group C, two points ahead of Denmark.

Scotland opened the scoring through Scott McTominay in the third minute. Rasmus Højlund equalised from a penalty (57) before teammate Rasmus Christensen was sent off (61). Lawrence Shankland put Scotland ahead again (78), but Patrick Dorgu restored Denmark’s equaliser (81). Tierney and McLean then completed the comeback with goals in stoppage time.

Switzerland qualifies for sixth consecutive World Cup

Switzerland secured their place for the sixth straight time with a 1-1 draw against Kosovo. Already assured of qualification due to their superior goal difference (+12 vs +1), Switzerland qualified for the 13th time in history.