16 European teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Four of them have previously won the tournament, while Italy, a five-time champion, misses a third consecutive edition.
Austria returns to the global stage after a 28-year absence. Veteran forward Marko Arnautovic leads the line under coach Ralf Rangnick. Austria will face Jordan, defending champions Argentina, and Algeria in Group J.
Belgium aims to bounce back from a shock group-stage exit in 2022. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remain key, while Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere add youthful flair. They face Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in the group stage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their spot via playoffs, defeating Wales and Italy on penalties. The 40-year-old Edin Dzeko and 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic form an intriguing forward partnership.
Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, remain a force. Luka Modric, now 40, still orchestrates play, while Josko Gvardiol anchors a youthful defense. They are drawn in a competitive group with England, Ghana, and Panama.
Czech Republic returns after a 20-year absence. Patrik Schick, joint top scorer at Euro 2020, is the main attacking threat. They face South Korea, South Africa, and co-hosts Mexico.
England seeks its first title since 1966. Harry Kane, the nation's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, leads the attack. At 32, this may be his last chance. They are in a group of death with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
France boasts exceptional depth and aims for a third title. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue form a formidable attack. Coach Didier Deschamps will step down after the tournament. They seek a third consecutive final appearance.
Germany, four-time winners, have failed to advance past the group stage in the last two World Cups. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala represent the future. They face Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and debutants Curacao.
Netherlands, three-time runners-up, rely on Virgil van Dijk's defense and Memphis Depay's creativity. Coach Ronald Koeman has stated the goal is to win the World Cup. They face Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Norway returns after a 28-year absence, powered by Erling Haaland's 16 goals in qualifying. They face France, Senegal, and Iraq in a tough group.
Portugal boasts Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo, now 41, is playing in his sixth World Cup, equaling Lionel Messi's record. This is likely his farewell tournament.
Scotland makes its first World Cup appearance since 1998. Captain Andy Robertson and John McGinn bring experience. They face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil.
Spain, world number one and European champions, are favorites. Lamine Yamal, fresh from a La Liga title, is the standout star. They face Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.
Sweden boasts a potent attack with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. They qualified via the Nations League path under new coach Graham Potter. They face Tunisia, Netherlands, and Japan.
Switzerland has qualified for six consecutive World Cups but exited at the round of 16 in five of them. They face Qatar, Bosnia, and hosts Canada.
Turkey makes only its third World Cup appearance. Young talents Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz are key. They face the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
Source: www.aljazeera.com