Key Highlights
- The 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue during FIFA’s November international window from Nov. 13-18.
- Out of the 48 spots available, only 28 have been secured so far for next summer’s tournament.
- Europe is mostly involved in the qualifying schedule, with England already securing its spot.
- Africa and Asia are also competing through playoffs for potential World Cup spots.
Qualifying Matches: A Global Effort
The FIFA November international window is crucial for teams vying to secure their places in the 2026 World Cup. Spanning from November 13-18, 2024, this period sees a series of matches across multiple continents.
Europe: The Main Arena
The majority of the action is set to take place in Europe, where only England has secured its spot. Teams are battling for the remaining places with numerous fixtures lined up. For instance, Norway vs.
Estonia and England vs. Serbia will be played on November 13, while France vs. Ukraine is set for the same day.
Africa: Playoff Contenders
In Africa, teams are also fighting for their spots. On November 13, Nigeria faces Gabon and Cameroon plays against DR Congo. The winners of these matches will then face each other on November 16 to determine the final playoff entrant from this region.
Asia: Dual Matches for the Playoff
In Asia, teams are competing in a two-legged tie format. On November 13, Iraq plays against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The winners of these matches will participate in an intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
Live Matches and Streaming Options
Multiple platforms are available for fans to watch the qualifying matches. For example, on November 13, UEFA Armenia vs. Hungary, Azerbaijan vs.
Iceland, Norway vs. Estonia, Andorra vs. Albania, England vs.
Serbia, France vs. Ukraine, Moldova vs. Italy, and Republic of Ireland vs.
Portugal will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video or FS2.
Concacaf matches, including Suriname vs. El Salvador, Bermuda vs. Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago vs.
Jamaica, Guatemala vs. Panama, Haiti vs. Costa Rica, and Nicaragua vs. Honduras, will be available on CBS Sports Network or the Golazo Network.
Intercontinental Playoffs
The intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup are scheduled to take place in March 2026. The winners of the Africa and Asia playoff matches will compete against each other to secure their final spots in the tournament.
In summary, the FIFA November international window is a critical period for many national teams as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. With numerous matches scheduled across Europe, Africa, and Asia, fans can expect exciting games that will determine which teams make it to next summer’s event.