Switzerland and Spain essentially seal spots

Switzerland and Spain all but clinched their places at the 2026 World Cup, but Denmark missed the chance to do the same in Copenhagen.

Switzerland are all but certain of a place at the 2026 World Cup finals after thrashing Sweden, who must now go through the play-offs following a dreadful start for new boss Graham Potter.

It looked as if Potter’s arrival as coach might spark a revival from Sweden when Benjamin Nygren equalised after Breel Embolo’s opener.

But Granit Xhaka’s penalty restored Switzerland’s lead, before Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi made the points safe.

Switzerland effectively punch their ticket

Switzerland are three points clear of Kosovo, whom they face on Tuesday, in Group I with a vastly superior goal difference.

Kosovo’s 2-0 win in Slovenia secured their place in the play-offs. Sweden, having claimed just one point from five qualifiers, will enter the play-offs as a result of their UEFA Nations League ranking.

On this evidence, former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss Potter has a lot of work to do to ensure they are ready to qualify the hard way.

European champions Spain essentially sealed Group E and their place in the finals with a 4-0 win over Georgia, but Denmark missed the chance to do the same as they failed to take advantage of Scotland’s 3-2 loss to Greece. 

Brian Riemer’s men were held to a 2-2 draw by Belarus and now travel to Hampden Park still needing a point against Scotland to qualify. A Scotland win would see them qualify for the finals for the first time since 1998.

Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina are also set for a winner-take-all match in Group H.

A Marko Arnautovic double gave Austria a 2-0 win in Cyprus, while Bosnia came from behind to beat 10-man Romania 3-1 and stay two points behind ahead of the game in Vienna. Romania head to the play-offs due to their Nations League ranking.

Hans Vanaken spared Belgium’s blushes as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan. Dastan Satpayev gave the hosts a surprise early lead before Vanaken levelled three minutes into the second half. Kazakhstan had Islam Chesnokov sent off 11 minutes from time.

Belgium will win Group J and qualify if they beat Liechtenstein on Tuesday. A stunning defeat would give Wales, who beat Liechtenstein 1-0, and North Macedonia, the chance to leapfrog them. Both Wales and North Macedonia are already sure of a play-off berth ahead of their match in Cardiff.