FIFA's qualification calendar reveals a packed schedule of crucial European World Cup 2026 qualification matches this week, with several heavyweight nations preparing for important fixtures on June 6, 2025.
The qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup continues with "Norway" hosting "Italy" in what appears to be the standout fixture among European qualifiers. Both teams will be looking to secure vital points in their journey toward qualification for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Elsewhere in Europe, "Belgium" travels to face North Macedonia, while "Croatia" will be expected to collect three points against minnows "Gibraltar". "Czech Republic" welcomes Montenegro, and "Wales" hosts Liechtenstein in what should be a favorable matchup for the Welsh side.
The qualification action isn't limited to Europe. South American teams will also be in action on June 5, with fixtures including "Chile" versus "Argentina", "Paraguay" against "Uruguay", and "Ecuador" hosting "Brazil".
Interestingly, the schedule also features Nations League matches running concurrently with the World Cup qualifiers. "Spain" will face "France" on June 5, while "Germany" takes on "Portugal" a day earlier on June 4.
The concentration of high-profile matches within this three-day window highlights the increasingly congested international football calendar, with teams forced to balance competitive fixtures across multiple tournaments.
Will the established European powers maintain their qualification momentum, or might we see some surprising results that could shake up the groups? Football fans certainly have plenty to look forward to this week.
