World Cup Qualifications: Ukraine's Third Opponent Determined.

The playoff matches of the Nations League have concluded, and all groups for the 2026 World Cup qualification in the European zone have been determined. France will be Ukraine's third opponent, along with Iceland and Azerbaijan.

First Round of 2026 World Cup Qualification in Europe

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

Match Schedule in Group D

Matchday 1, September 5, 2025

• Ukraine – France 21:45
• Iceland – Azerbaijan 21:45

Matchday 2, September 9, 2025

• Azerbaijan – Ukraine 19:00
• France – Iceland 21:45

Matchday 3, October 10, 2025

• Iceland – Ukraine 21:45
• France – Azerbaijan 21:45

Matchday 4, October 13, 2025

• Ukraine – Azerbaijan 21:45
• Iceland – France 21:45

Matchday 5, November 13, 2025

• Azerbaijan – Iceland 19:00
• France – Ukraine 21:45

Matchday 6, November 16, 2025

• Ukraine – Iceland 19:00
• Azerbaijan – France 19:00

2026 World Cup Qualification

In the European zone, FIFA has 16 slots. The qualification will take place from March 2025 to March 2026 and will consist of two rounds.

Round 1 of the Qualification: 12 groups of five or four teams will compete in a group system from March to November 2025. The 12 group winners will qualify directly for the final tournament.

12 teams that finish second in their groups, and the four best group winners from the Nations League who finish below second place in the group stage, will participate in play-off mini-tournaments.

Round 2 of the Qualification: play-off mini-tournaments will take place in March 2026 and will consist of single-match semifinals and finals. 16 participants will be divided into four paths for the playoffs. The four winners will qualify for the World Cup.

The respective number of slots available in the zones listed below is as follows:

AFC (Asia): 9 slots + 1 intercontinental playoff slot.

CAF (Africa): 9 slots + 1 intercontinental playoff slot.

CONCACAF (North and Central America): 3 tournament hosts + 3 slots + 2 intercontinental playoff slots.

CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots + 1 intercontinental playoff slot.

OFC (Oceania): 1 slot + 1 intercontinental playoff slot.

Intercontinental playoff: 2 slots.

Final Tournament of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history where 48 teams will compete. 12 groups of four teams will be created. The top two teams from each group, as well as the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16.

The matches of the 23rd World Cup will take place in 16 cities, namely: Toronto and Vancouver (Canada), Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey (Mexico), Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle (USA).

The opening match will take place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and the final will be held on July 19 in New York City.

Please note that Russia has been banned from the draw for the World Cup qualification.