UEFA qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is in full swing, and Europe's nations are putting on a show as they aim to reach the tournament in North America.

The European Qualifiers league stage is played in the same format as the UEFA Women's Nations League, with teams split into three leagues: League A with 16 teams, League B with 16 teams and League C with 21 teams. The final composition of the leagues was decided by the 2025 edition of the UEFA Women's Nations League.

The draw for the 2027 Women's World Cup took place today in Nyon, Switzerland. Germany will face Norway, Austria and Slovenia next year as they endeavour to book their spot in the final competition in Brazil.

Since 1974, Spain has not missed a single World Cup and now aims to extend its streak to 13 consecutive qualifications. As Euro 2024 champions, Nations League winners, and runners-up in the recent final against Portugal, La Roja arrives with an impressive run of 24 official matches without a loss.

Italy will face Israel in a Matchday 8 showdown of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. Fans in the USA can catch the action live through various TV and streaming services.

The 2026 FIFA men's World Cup is approaching next year, and qualifying is well underway with more than half of the spots now accounted for. There are now 48 teams after FIFA decided to expand from the old 32-team format that had been in place since the 1998 World Cup.

Hearts' Lawrence Shankland is recalled to the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark this month.