FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Fixtures, Standings & Schedule

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up in Europe this September as national teams battle through the group stage of qualification. With only a handful of automatic spots available, every fixture is critical for traditional heavyweights and rising football nations alike.

The qualifiers will run from September 4 to September 9, 2025, featuring some of the biggest clashes of the campaign so far. Giants such as Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and England face tough away tests, while underdogs look to cause upsets and keep their World Cup dreams alive.

European Qualification Format

• The qualifiers are divided into 10 groups.

• Each group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup.

• The runners-up enter a playoff system along with selected Nations League teams, making every point in the group stage crucial.

September 2025 Fixtures (All Times UTC)

Thursday, September 4

• Kazakhstan vs Wales – 14:00

• Georgia vs Turkey – 16:00

• Lithuania vs Malta – 16:00

• Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland – 18:45

• Liechtenstein vs Belgium – 18:45

• Slovakia vs Germany – 18:45

• Bulgaria vs Spain – 18:45

• Netherlands vs Poland – 18:45

Friday, September 5

• Slovenia vs Sweden – 18:45

• Switzerland vs Kosovo – 18:45

• Greece vs Belarus – 18:45

• Iceland vs Azerbaijan – 18:45

• Moldova vs Israel – 18:45

• Montenegro vs Czech Republic – 18:45

• Denmark vs Scotland – 18:45

• Ukraine vs France – 18:45

• Italy vs Estonia – 18:45

• Faroe Islands vs Croatia – 18:45

Saturday, September 6

• Latvia vs Serbia – 13:00

• England vs Andorra – 16:00

• Armenia vs Portugal – 16:00

• Ireland vs Hungary – 18:45

• Austria vs Cyprus – 18:45

• San Marino vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – 18:45

Sunday, September 7

• Georgia vs Bulgaria – 13:00

• North Macedonia vs Liechtenstein – 16:00

• Lithuania vs Netherlands – 16:00

• Luxembourg vs Slovakia – 18:45

• Poland vs Finland – 18:45

• Belgium vs Kazakhstan – 18:45

• Germany vs Northern Ireland – 18:45

• Turkey vs Spain – 18:45

Monday, September 8

• Kosovo vs Sweden – 18:45

• Switzerland vs Slovenia – 18:45

• Belarus vs Scotland – 18:45

• Gibraltar vs Faroe Islands – 18:45

• Greece vs Denmark – 18:45

• Israel vs Italy – 18:45

• Croatia vs Montenegro – 18:45

Tuesday, September 9

• Azerbaijan vs Ukraine – 16:00

• Armenia vs Ireland – 16:00

• Norway vs Moldova – 18:45

• Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Austria – 21:45

• Cyprus vs Romania – 18:45

• Albania vs Latvia – 18:45

• Serbia vs England – 18:45

• France vs Iceland – 18:45

• Hungary vs Portugal – 18:45

Also check; FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifiers Fixtures, Standings & Schedule

Key Fixtures to Watch

• Slovakia vs Germany (Sept 4, 18:45 UTC): A crucial away trip for Germany, with Slovakia looking to disrupt the group balance.

• Netherlands vs Poland (Sept 4, 18:45 UTC): A clash between two strong attacking sides, vital for group leadership.

• Ukraine vs France (Sept 5, 18:45 UTC): France face one of their toughest tests of the campaign away in Kyiv.

• England vs Andorra (Sept 6, 16:00 UTC): A likely routine win for England, but goal difference could matter in group standings.

• Turkey vs Spain (Sept 7, 18:45 UTC): A blockbuster tie with high stakes, as Spain aim to avoid slipping behind early.

• Serbia vs England (Sept 9, 18:45 UTC): A decisive test for the Three Lions against a physical Serbian side.

• Hungary vs Portugal (Sept 9, 18:45 UTC): A repeat of memorable past clashes, this match could define the group.

Standings Table For All Groups

Implications for Qualification

• Traditional giants such as France, Spain, Germany, and Italy cannot afford slip-ups, as their groups feature competitive challengers.

• Mid-tier nations like Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine are pushing hard for qualification and could disrupt the favorites.

• Smaller nations such as Kosovo, Georgia, and Moldova have shown steady improvement, giving them a chance to upset expectations.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers in September 2025 promise high drama, top-level football, and decisive clashes across the continent. With every group finely balanced, these fixtures could determine who books an early ticket to North America and who faces the uncertainty of the playoffs.