The qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on October 12, 2023, in Asia, with Myanmar's Lwin Moe Aung scoring the first goal. As the process unfolds globally, European teams will commence their qualifiers on March 21, 2024. A total of 55 nations are expected to participate, with 12 groups competing in a home-and-away format until November 2025. Direct qualifications for the World Cup are available for the group winners, while runners-up will enter the playoffs alongside select UEFA Nations League teams.
The UEFA playoffs involve 16 teams: the 12 runners-up plus the four best-ranked group winners from the UNL, creating four routes for World Cup qualification.
As qualifying progresses, the 12 group winners secure direct spots for the World Cup, while runners-up will enter playoffs for the remaining spots.
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