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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ed Aarons

World Cup 2026 European qualifying: when, how and who needs what?

Germany’s Florian Wirtz, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Scott McTominay of Scotland, and the new Sweden head coach, Graham Potter
From left: Germany’s Florian Wirtz, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Scott McTominay of Scotland, and the new Sweden head coach, Graham Potter. Composite: Guardian Picture Desk

Group A

Could the unthinkable happen? Germany have never failed to qualify for the World Cup but the four-time champions can’t afford slip-ups if they are to seal top spot after losing against Slovakia in their opening game. Julian Nagelsmann’s side lead Slovakia on goal difference and need to beat Luxembourg on Friday and see whether Northern Ireland – guaranteed a playoff after finishing top of their Nations League group – can do them any favours in Slovakia on the same night. Germany finish against Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday in what could be a winner-takes-all showdown. Teams finishing second go into the playoffs.

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