⚽ The 2026 European World Cup qualifiers are coming to a close tonight, setting in stone which 12 teams will qualify, and which will head on over to the playoffs.

Group B:

  • Kosovo vs. Switzerland (9:45pm);
  • Sweden vs. Slovenia (9:45pm).

Where the group stands: Switzerland has all but secured its qualification, leading the group with 13 points, three points ahead of runner-up Kosovo. With a massive goal difference (+12 vs. +1), we won’t be expecting an upset. In any case, Kosovo has already secured its spot in the European playoffs regardless of the match result.

Group C:

  • Belarus vs. Greece (9:45pm);
  • Scotland vs. Denmark (9:45pm).

Where the group stands:It’s a fight to the finish line between Denmark and Scotland, with Denmark in the lead by just one point. The victor of this face-off will qualify directly for the World Cup, with the loser heading to the playoffs — a draw would favor Denmark.

Group E:

  • Bulgaria vs. Georgia (9:45pm);
  • Spain vs. Turkey (9:45pm).

Where the group stands:On paper, Spain has assured its qualification, being in the lead with a three-point advantage over Turkey, who would need to defeat Spain by a margin of seven goals to qualify. A draw, a loss, or a victory by fewer than seven goals means Turkey will be heading to the playoffs.

Group H:

  • Austria vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (9:45pm);
  • Romania vs. San Marino (9:45pm).

Where the group stands: The victor of the first match will walk away with a qualification ticket. A draw would favor Austria, which leads the group by two points.

Group J:

  • Belgium vs. Liechtenstein (9:45pm);
  • Wales vs. North Macedonia (9:45pm).

Where the group stands: Belgium needs to bag three points against the bottom-ranked team to qualify. But a draw, or even a loss, would be enough if Wales draws with North Macedonia. Either team may also secure qualification if one defeats the other and Belgium drops the ball. A draw between Wales and Macedonia would see Macedonia sent to the playoffs.

REMEMBER- The European playoffs consist of 12 teams that have all finished as runners-up in their groups, with four additional teams topping their respective UEFA Nations League Groups. Four teams from these playoffs will eventually qualify for the World Cup.

Asia’s path to the Inter-Confederation playoffs: The Basra International Stadium will play host to the second leg of the Asian playoffs final for the Inter-Confederation World Cup Playoffs between Iraq and the UAE later today at 6pm. The first leg, played in the UAE, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Friendlies on our radar today:

  • Saudi Arabia vs. Algeria (6:30pm);
  • Catalonia vs. Palestine (7:30pm);
  • Morocco vs. Uganda (9pm);
  • Brazil vs. Tunisia (9:30pm);
  • USA vs. Uruguay (2am);
  • Mexico vs. Paraguay (3:30am).

CORRECTION- Yesterday’s PM edition incorrectly stated that the Iran vs. Uzbekistan match in the Al Ain International Cup final was scheduled for 6pm on Monday. The match will take place today at 6pm, and we have updated the story on the website.

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