2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Europe’s Giants Between Opportunity and Caution
Abdullah Mshnun
With ambitions for an early resolution and fears of falling prey to over-calculation, Europe’s top national teams enter a decisive round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held for the first time across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While France, Spain, and Portugal seem on the brink of securing direct qualification, the Italian national team finds itself in a complex situation where its fate is no longer in its own hands.
The “Les Bleus” will face Ukraine in Paris with the confidence of being the world runners-up, aiming to secure their passage without waiting for the final round. Didier Deschamps’ men lead their group with 10 points and are looking for another victory to eliminate any doubt, especially since the final match against Azerbaijan will be less pressured if the expected win is achieved.
The return of N’Golo Kanté to the squad after a long absence adds a morale boost, despite the injury absence of Ousmane Dembélé. Deschamps relies on the group’s cohesion and the experience of captain Kylian Mbappé to confirm that their runner-up finish in Qatar was not a fluke but a continuation of a footballing tradition that knows how to win under pressure.
In contrast, Spain appears to be the most stable team in terms of performance and results. The nation that recently won the European Championship leads its group with a perfect score (12 points from four matches) and requires only a draw against Georgia in Tbilisi to guarantee official qualification to the World Cup.
The absence of Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 18-year-old jewel, may complicate coach De La Fuente’s plans, but “La Roja” has alternatives capable of maintaining the high tempo thanks to the synergy between midfield and attack. The Spanish Football Federation insists on prioritizing the young player’s safety, signaling a new approach that balances sporting ambition with humanitarian considerations.
Portugal, meanwhile, is confidently advancing under Spanish coach Roberto Martínez towards securing qualification against Ireland in Dublin. Another victory will grant them passage without awaiting the final round, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years old, to continue writing new chapters in his legendary international career.
Ronaldo remains a leader and an example, not just with his five goals in the qualifiers but also through his presence and influence in the locker room. Defender Nuno Mendes is absent due to injury, necessitating tactical adjustments on the left side, but the Portuguese team has shown sufficient flexibility in previous rounds to overcome any absence.
The situation is more tense for the Italian camp, where the “Azzurri” need results from others as much as they need to secure victories. The team sits second in their group, three points behind Norway, and while the opportunity is still alive, the margin for error has become extremely narrow.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso has demanded maximum commitment from his players in the final two matches against Moldova and then Norway at San Siro. Despite noticeable improvement since he took charge, the psychological pressure from two consecutive absences from the World Cup still looms over the team and its supporters. The ball is now in the Azzurri’s court: either a resurgence that restores pride, or a setback that exacerbates the wounds of Italian football.
In other groups, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and Croatia seem close to securing their spots, while Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, awaits confirmation of their return through matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia. This round is certain to bring surprises, yet it will simultaneously shape the layout of Europe for the 2026 World Cup.
A Moroccan Perspective on the European Scene
From the vantage point of an observer in Italy, one cannot overlook the comparison between the rigor of European teams in preparation and planning and the leap that the Moroccan national team is experiencing after their epic journey in Qatar 2022. Just as Europe seeks to renew its structures and rejuvenate its teams, Morocco is currently working to establish a comprehensive national sports project focused on nurturing generations and ensuring continuity. The continental and global scene confirms that football is no longer just a fleeting competition, but a national strategy, and those with vision and infrastructure are the ones who secure qualification before the final whistle.
