Intense Battles Unfold in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers are heating up across various confederations, with several key matches taking place in the last 48 hours. In the CONMEBOL region, Ecuador secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Colombia, highlighting the competitive nature of the South American qualifiers. Other matches in the region include Argentina vs. Peru and Chile vs. Venezuela, both scheduled for today at 7:00 PM, which are expected to be highly contested.

In the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Australia faced a dramatic match against Bahrain in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Australia started strong with a goal from Cini Yangi in the first minute but saw their lead evaporate as Bahrain’s Mii Abdul Jabar scored two stunning goals, including one from 40 meters, to level the match. However, Yangi scored again in stoppage time to potentially secure a draw for Australia.

In Europe, the stage is being set for the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, with the draw scheduled for December 13 in Zurich. Teams will be divided into 12 groups of four or five teams, with the group stage starting in March 2025 for teams in five-team groups and in September 2025 for those in four-team groups. The qualifying process will be influenced by the UEFA Nations League, with top-ranked teams from the Nations League potentially securing better positions in the World Cup draw. England, under new manager Thomas Tuchel, aims to avoid a promotion play-off and embark on a fresh qualifying campaign.

The CONCACAF region is also in the midst of its qualifying process, with teams competing in a complex format that includes multiple rounds. The third round features three groups of four teams each, with the group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup. The runners-up will compete in inter-confederation play-offs for the remaining spots.

These ongoing qualifiers underscore the intense competition and strategic depth involved in securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.