This shows that the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are too attractive on the Old Continent's pitch.
The European qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup is entering its climax. There, many "big guys" have affirmed their positions while a series of mid-level teams are determined to chase to keep their hopes alive.
Some are happy, some are worried
Among the three teams that have already secured their tickets, France has shown remarkable stability with a star-studded squad. England continues to demonstrate the power of their "golden generation" by absolutely dominating their group. Meanwhile, Croatia has maintained their form from the qualifying rounds to secure a ticket to the World Cup finals.
The impressive achievements of the three teams above have created a clear milestone, but the most attractive part of the qualifying round is still in the undecided groups. Portugal under coach Roberto Martinez has an extremely good force, from Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva to Nuno Mendes or Goncalo Ramos. Cristiano Ronaldo, although in the final stage of his career, is still a great source of inspiration, helping the team maintain confidence in important matches.
Despite holding a big advantage, Portugal's journey is not over yet. Hungary and the Republic of Ireland have never been worthy opponents, but these two mid-level teams are lurking, making it difficult for the "European Selecao".
European champions Spain still have to wait for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals. (Photo: WNCT)
Portugal need 3 points in the final match against the extremely weak opponent Armenia to ensure that they do not have to regret in the playoffs. Portugal's goal is not only to win the ticket but also to prove the stability of the current generation, which has high expectations after winning the Nations League.
Spain, the most recent Euro champions, have maintained their characteristic possession style of play. With a combination of youth like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and the experience of Rodri, they can dominate most opponents. However, this qualifying round has not been easy.
In some matches, "La Roja" had to rely on individual brilliance or luck to get 3 points. They are still in the top position in the group but still have to maintain a high playing tempo in the final match if they want to reach North America early in the summer of 2026.
The "rich man's" feelings
Although Germany has improved its performance significantly under new "general" Thomas Tuchel and enjoyed home field advantage in important matches, it still cannot secure the top spot. Slovakia's fierce pursuit could see the "Tank" fall to second place in the group if they make a mistake in the "life-or-death" match early morning on November 18.
The Netherlands is luckier than its neighbor Germany, although they also have to wait for the ticket to the final round, they do not have to face the most annoying opponent in the group. The team from the land of tulips even has the right to lose to the bottom team Lithuania, as long as they do not concede more than... ten goals!
After 12 tickets for the group winners, Europe has 4 remaining spots to be divided in the play-off round - where 12 second-placed teams and 4 high-ranked teams in the Nations League compete. This is a do-or-die round, where a loss is enough to ruin a team's entire campaign.
Italy is the most notable name in this group of teams, including Slovakia, Poland, Scotland, Türkiye, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Ukraine... What if there are "death" matches between Italy - Türkiye, Bosnia - North Macedonia or Republic of Ireland - Scotland?
This year’s qualifying campaign has seen the mid-table European teams improve, narrowing the gap between the skill groups considerably. This makes the race even more dramatic and unpredictable. As World Cup finals tickets become increasingly valuable, every move and moment in the remaining matches could be the turning point of the campaign.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/world-cup-2026-cuoc-dua-kich-tinh-kho-doan-196251116212308924.htm
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