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Victor Petkov
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2026 World Cup qualifiers put Germany or Italy vs Haaland’s Norway
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England drawn into easy group at first sight against Serbia, Albania, Lithuania and Andorra

The draw for UEFA member nations’ qualification groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held in Zurich, introducing a new format due to the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams. Sixteen teams from UEFA will qualify for the competition hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

One of the most interesting encounters that could happen is in group I, where the loser of the Nation’s league tie between Italy and Germany will face Norway with Erling Haaland.

England could be very happy with the draw, as the Three Lions will face easy competition in the face of Serbia, Albania, Lithuania and Andorra.

The qualification structure includes 12 groups, split between five-team and four-team groups, with some spots dependent on the results of upcoming Nations League play-offs. Here are the groups in full:

  • Group A
    Germany v Italy (winner)
    Slovakia
    Northern Ireland
    Luxembourg
  • Group B
    Switzerland
    Sweden
    Slovenia
    Kosovo
  • Group C
    Portugal v Denmark (loser)
    Greece
    Scotland
    Belarus
  • Group D
    France v Croatia (winner)
    Ukraine
    Iceland
    Azerbaijan
  • Group E
    Spain v Netherlands (winner)
    Türkiye
    Georgia
    Bulgaria
  • Group F
    Portugal v Denmark (winner)
    Hungary
    Republic of Ireland
    Armenia
  • Group G
    Spain v Netherlands (loser)
    Poland
    Finland
    Lithuania
    Malta
  • Group H
    Austria
    Romania
    Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Cyprus
    San Marino
  • Group I
    Germany v Italy (loser)
    Norway
    Israel
    Estonia
    Moldova
  • Group J
    Belgium
    Wales
    North Macedonia
    Kazakhstan
    Liechtenstein
  • Group K
    England
    Serbia
    Albania
    Latvia
    Andorra
  • Group L
    France v Croatia (loser)
    Czechia
    Montenegro
    Faroe Islands
    Gibraltar

Nations League play-offs will determine the “winner” and “loser” participants in specific groups. Qualification begins in March 2025 for five-team groups, while four-team groups will start in September 2025.