Spain is set to virtually secure its spot in the upcoming World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The only scenario that could prevent this involves Turkey achieving an improbable seven-goal victory next Tuesday in La Cartuja. This situation mirrors the challenge facing Italy, which risks missing its third consecutive World Cup. The Azzurra must defeat Norway by a remarkable nine goals or more to avoid the playoff.
In the playoffs, the 12 second-placed teams from each group and four additional teams who advanced through the Nations League will compete in a single-elimination format, narrowing the field to just four remaining teams. This is a route Italy is desperate to avoid. The four-time World Cup champions have been absent from the last two tournaments after falling in both playoff rounds: first against Sweden in 2018 and later to North Macedonia while trying to qualify for Qatar 2022. Italy’s last absence from a World Cup was in 1958.
Austria and Switzerland are also nearing qualification. Ralf Rangnick’s team is on the brink of making it to their first World Cup since 1998, thanks to two goals from Marko Arnautovic in a victory against Cyprus in Limassol. Austria has secured at least a playoff spot as the second-placed team in Group H, although their automatic qualification was thwarted by Bosnia-Herzegovina’s win over Romania, who played with ten men from the 68th minute.
Meanwhile, Switzerland trounced a struggling Sweden, securing their place in the playoff through the Nations League. However, they need to confirm their qualification against Kosovo, who also secured a playoff spot.
Belgium faced a setback, drawing against Kazakhstan in Astana Arena, thus delaying their mathematical qualification to a crucial match against Liechtenstein in Liège. Without injured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the Red Devils must secure a three-point win against the bottom team in Group J.
Wales experienced more difficulty than anticipated in their match against Liechtenstein, a team that has lost every game in this qualifying round, ultimately winning by a single goal from Jordan James. With one game remaining, Wales can secure a playoff berth if they defeat North Macedonia on Tuesday, while North Macedonia just needs a draw to advance due to better goal difference.
Turkey, having recently defeated Bulgaria 2-0, is also heading to the playoffs but faces the daunting task of a seven-goal victory to have a chance at direct qualification, following Spain’s convincing win over Georgia. Kosovo, with a commendable qualifying campaign, has secured a playoff spot and still has a chance to finish first in Group B. On the other hand, Jan Oblak will miss out on the World Cup, which is a significant blow for Slovenia.
Denmark and Scotland will determine their fate in an upcoming match after Denmark drew with Belarus, leaving both teams with guaranteed playoff spots but vying for direct qualification in Glasgow. The excitement as teams vie for their places in the World Cup continues to build as the final matches approach.