Germany, Portugal, and Belgium are among the top European footballing nations that are yet to secure their World Cup 2026 qualification spot. All three countries will need to decide their future on matchday 10, which is the final game in their groups next midweek.
Germany, Portugal, and Belgium Yet to Decide World Cup Future
Julian Nagelsmann’s men’s shock first qualifier game defeat against Slovakia puts them in a tough spot, as they now have to decide their WC 2026 future in the last game. Germany’s next match was against the same opponent that beat them in the first qualifier game.
Die Mannschaft are currently level on points with Slovakia, but Nagelsmann’s side are currently ahead on goal difference. That’s why a win is important to firmly secure their direct World Cup qualification instead of having to go through a tricky playoff situation.
Portugal, on the other hand, had every chance to secure their qualification two games earlier, but somehow blew it off. Their failure to beat Hungary last month and their recent shock loss against Ireland put the Selecao das Quinas in a must-win game situation this upcoming midweek as they face Armenia at home.
Because of their loss against Ireland, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo get sent off, the Portugal national team are only two points ahead of their rival, Hungary. So, a win is certainly a must for Roberto Martinez’s men if they want to secure that direct qualification spot.
Similar to Portugal, Belgium also put its direct qualification on hold after only picking up a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan this weekend. The Red Devils now must grab all three points on their final group match against Liechtenstein, as Rudi Garcia’s team are only two points ahead of their rival, North Macedonia, in the standings.
Those three teams still have the possibility of having to endure a grueling and troublesome playoff round if they don’t get things right in their final group games.
.webp?ssl=1 "Funniest moment, best radio message and much more – F1’s 2025 alternative awards")
