Belgium, Austria and Switzerland Seal 2026 World Cup Spots in Final Qualifier Round

Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland sealed their places at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, as Europe’s qualifying campaign reached its climax with five remaining automatic spots up for grabs. Austria celebrated a historic return after 28 years away, Belgium cruised to a fourth consecutive appearance, and Switzerland extended its remarkable streak to six straight tournaments. The trio joined the nine previously qualified European nations, leaving only the March playoffs to decide the continent’s final four berths for the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In Vienna, Austria needed a dramatic late intervention to secure the top spot in Group H. Trailing 1-0 to Bosnia and Herzegovina with time running out, Michael Gregoritsch rose in the 77th minute to head home the equaliser that sparked wild celebrations at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. The 1-1 draw was enough to clinch first place and end a World Cup absence stretching back to France 1998. Bosnia finished second and will enter the playoffs, while Romania, already assured of a playoff spot via the Nations League, thrashed San Marino 7-1 in a dead rubber.

Belgium produced the most emphatic statement of the night, dismantling minnows Liechtenstein 7-0 in Brussels to win Group J at a canter. Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku each scored twice, with further goals from Lois Openda, Youri Tielemans, and Leandro Trossard completing a rout that underlined the Red Devils’ attacking depth under new management. The victory ensured Belgium’s presence at a fourth successive World Cup and banished memories of their disappointing early exit in Qatar 2022.

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Switzerland secured qualification with the minimum of fuss, holding Kosovo to a 1-1 draw in Pristina to win Group B. Already in a commanding position, the Swiss would have qualified even with a five-goal defeat, but Granit Xhaka’s side never looked in serious danger. The result marks Switzerland’s sixth consecutive World Cup appearance—a run that began in 2006—and continues their reputation as one of Europe’s most consistent performers despite undergoing a generational transition.

With the 12 group winners now confirmed, attention turns to the playoffs scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026. The four best-performing Nations League group winners not already qualified—plus the 12 runners-up from qualifying—will contest single-leg semifinals and finals for the remaining European tickets. The expanded 2026 tournament, running from June 11 to July 19 across North America, promises the most inclusive World Cup in history, with Europe sending a record 16 teams to compete for global glory.

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