World Cup qualifying as it stands
Qualification for World Cup 2026 is starting to draw to a conclusion, as only two more matchdays remain in the next international break in November. As it stands, three national sides featuring blaugranes have confirmed their spot – Brazil, Uruguay and England. Let's now cast a glance over the current state of play for the other national teams with FC Barcelona players, all of which are in Europe.
Remember that only teams finishing in first place in the groups of four or five teams confirm qualification directly. Those finishing in second place have another chance to qualify, and goal difference is used to decide when teams are tied on points.
Looking good for Spain
When it comes to Spain, Luis de la Fuente's side look well on the way, having won all four of the games played to date. Turkey are in second, just three points back in the European Qualification Group E table. As such, a win against Georgia and a draw against Turkey would confirm qualification, even if the latter win against Bulgaria.
De Jong and Lewandowski going head to head
Direct qualification for Robert Lewandowski and Poland looks difficult as they are currently in second in five-team Group G. Frenkie de Jong and the Netherlands are in first with 16 points, three more than the Poles captained by the Barça number nine.
In fact, the sides are set to face off in the next qualifying game (14 November, 8:45pm CET). A win for the oranje would seal qualification for the tournament, and a draw or win for Poland would leave everything to play for in the final round of matches.
Level pegging so far for Germany
When it comes to Ter Stegen and Germany, it doesn't look that straightforward, as Group A is finely balanced. Germany lead with nine points, Slovakia are in second, also with nine, while Northern Ireland have six. All very much to play for in the final round of matches in the November international break.
Sprint to the finish for Denmark and Scotland
Andreas Christensen and Denmark are joint leaders of Group C with Scotland. Both sides have earned 10 points so far and face each other in the final matchday fixture. The match is likely to prove crucial for direct qualification and is set to be played in Scotland. The Danes at least know they will have another chance of qualification whatever the outcome of that match, as third placed Greece are seven points back with only two games left to play.
Kounde close to qualification
When it comes to Jules Kounde and France, they are outright leaders of Group D with 10 points. Ukraine are in second, having made the most of France's 2-2 draw away to Iceland to move to within three points. Both teams are scheduled to play each other in the next matchday fixture, so a win for les bleus will see them through to the World Cup.
Tough task for Roony
Lastly Roony Bardghji and Sweden are currently in last place in Group B, having earned one point so far. As such, it looks difficult for Sweden to be at the World Cup. They cannot finish in first place mathematically, but are still in with a chance of finishing second, albeit they have a real fight on their hands, as second-placed Kosovo have seven points, six more than the Swedes.