The road to the 2026 World Cup has officially begun for England and Wales, as both teams embark on their qualifying campaigns this week. With high stakes and intense competition, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming matches, groups, and schedules.

England’s Campaign Under Thomas Tuchel

England’s first match under new head coach Thomas Tuchel is set for Friday, 21 March, against Albania at Wembley Stadium. This will be a crucial test for Tuchel as he looks to implement his tactical vision. Three days later, England will host Latvia, aiming to secure early points in Group K, which also includes Serbia and Andorra.

Wales’ Journey with Craig Bellamy

Meanwhile, Wales, led by Craig Bellamy, will face Kazakhstan at home on Saturday, 22 March, followed by an away match against North Macedonia on Tuesday, 25 March. Wales is placed in Group J, alongside Belgium and Liechtenstein, making every match critical for their qualification hopes.

Other European Teams

Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland have been drawn into four-team groups and will begin their campaigns in September. Scotland’s Group C includes Greece, Belarus, and the loser of the Portugal vs Denmark Nations League quarter-final. Northern Ireland’s Group A features Slovakia, Luxembourg, and the winner of the Germany vs Italy Nations League game. The Republic of Ireland is in Group F with the winner of the Portugal vs Denmark tie, Hungary, and Armenia.

Qualification Format

The European qualifiers are divided into 12 groups, with the top team from each group securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The second-placed teams will enter the play-offs, where they will compete for the remaining spots. A total of 16 European teams will qualify for the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Key Dates

The qualifiers will be played across five international breaks between March 2025 and November 2025. The play-offs are scheduled for 26-31 March 2026, just months before the World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 in Mexico City.

What’s at Stake?

The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, including 12 four-team groups and a last-32 knockout round for the first time. With only three host nations (Canada, Mexico, and the United States) guaranteed a spot, the competition for the remaining places will be fierce.

How to Follow

The BBC will broadcast all World Cup qualifiers for the men’s teams of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland live, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

As the qualifiers unfold, the journey to the 2026 World Cup promises to be filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the road to the tournament continues.