FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Pots Finalized

The conclusion of the Nations League group stage has shaped the seedings for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifying Draw, scheduled for December 13. The draw will feature 12 groups, with each group winner earning a direct ticket to the World Cup. Four additional spots will be contested in a playoff system, involving second-placed teams and top performers from this year’s Nations League.

Key Highlights of the Draw Format

Pot 1 (Favorites)

The heavyweights of European football, featuring perennial contenders like France, England, and Portugal, dominate Pot 1. These teams will aim to secure top spots and avoid playoff pressure:

France, Spain, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria

Pot 2 (Challengers)

This pot is stacked with competitive teams like Ukraine, Turkey, and Sweden, many of which narrowly missed Pot 1. These teams will look to upset the hierarchy:

Ukraine, Turkey, Sweden, Wales, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Greece, Romania, Norway, Slovakia, Czech Republic

Pot 3 (Dark Horses)

Potential surprise packages include Scotland and Slovenia, while sides like Israel and Georgia could also make their mark:

Scotland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, North Macedonia, Georgia, Finland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Israel, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro

Pot 4 (Underdogs)

Although not favorites, teams like Bulgaria and Kazakhstan have shown the ability to challenge stronger sides on their day:

Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Belarus, Armenia, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Faroe Islands, Latvia

Pot 5 (Outsiders)

The minnows of European football, such as San Marino and Gibraltar, round out the draw. These teams will look to earn crucial points and dream of an upset:

Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, San Marino