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How does the UEFA Nations League affect qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?

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1 month ago

October 12, 2024

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How does the UEFA Nations League affect qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?

As well as giving the plethora of international breaks a bit of spice, the UEFA Nations League provides a potential route to World Cup qualification.

The tournament bridges the gap between Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualifying, although a strong performance in the Nations League could give nations a bit of security just in case their bid to reach the next global games goes badly.

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means the qualification procedure has become more complicated than necessary and the European part now effectively spans the best part of 18 months.

UEFA Nations League odds can be found on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise, everything you need to know about the tournament’s impact on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is below.

2026 World Cup qualifying format

The increase in the number of teams participating at the next World Cup means UEFA has been granted a total of 16 places – an increase of three from the previous tournament in 2022.

The nations taking part in qualification for the next World Cup will be split into 12 groups and the winners of each will book their slot in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The runners up in each qualifying group and the four best Nations League group winners (based on the overall ranking in the Nations League table) that failed to finish in the top two then take part in the play-offs.

The 16 nations will be drawn into four paths comprising a single-leg semi-final and then a final, with the winners of each path booking their spot at the World Cup.