Portugal and Spain will be among the many countries trying to secure a place at next year’s FIFA World Cup when qualifying matches get underway around the world from Thursday.
So far, 28 teams (including the hosts) have secured their spots in the revamped premier tournament, leaving 20 spots still up for grabs.
Take a look at which countries can qualify for next year’s competition in the US, Canada and Mexico:
EUROPE
Portugal
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will secure their ticket to the final with a win over Ireland on Thursday, or with a draw if Hungary fail to beat Armenia.
Norway
Norway reaches its first World Cup since 1998 with a win over Estonia if Italy fails to beat Moldova on Thursday. If Norway draws, it can only qualify if Italy loses its match.
Spain
Spain will qualify if they beat Georgia on Saturday and Turkiye fail to beat Bulgaria, which has already been eliminated.
France
The French will secure a place if they beat Ukraine on Friday.
Switzerland
Switzerland can qualify on Sunday if it beats Sweden and Kosovo fails to beat Slovenia. The Swiss also qualify with a draw if Kosovo loses.
Belgium
Belgium can secure its place if it beats Kazakhstan on Sunday.
The Netherlands
The Dutch can secure their place on Saturday if they beat Poland.
Austria
Austria can qualify on Sunday if it beats Cyprus and Bosnia and Herzegovina fails to beat Romania.
CONCACAF
Honduras
Honduras can qualify on Friday if it beats Nicaragua and Costa Rica draws with Haiti.
Jamaica
Jamaica can also qualify on Friday if it beats Trinidad and Tobago, and Curaçao loses to Bermuda.
Published on November 12, 2025
