Copa do Mundo 2026 – Foto: Poetra.RH / Shutterstock.com
France and Switzerland take the field on Monday, October 13, 2025, with real chances of direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The October Data Fifa concludes decisive rounds in the UEFA and CAF Qualifiers, where up to nine teams may join the 21 already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament. The goal is to secure group leadership in tight races, with simultaneous matches deciding fates.
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, faces Hungary at home and relies on an Armenia stumble to seal their spot in Group F. In Africa, Group C is the most balanced, with Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria battling point by point for first place.
- France needs to beat Iceland away and hope Ukraine doesn’t win against Azerbaijan.
- Switzerland faces Slovenia away and counts on a draw between Kosovo and Sweden.
- England has a simple task against Latvia away to confirm Group K leadership.
These scenarios highlight the pressure on stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, whose teams seek mathematical qualification.
The stage is taking shape.🏆@aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/10TEe4ViTM
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 13, 2025
Scenarios in Europe for immediate spots
Switzerland leads Group B with nine points after three rounds and plays for confirmation against Slovenia. Kosovo, in second, faces Sweden in a parallel match, and a Swiss win plus a Kosovar slip ensures direct qualification. The Swiss team has two wins and a draw so far, showing defensive solidity.
France, in Group D, also has nine points and travels to Iceland needing a win to pressure Ukraine. The French, 2022 runners-up, need Ukraine not to beat Azerbaijan to secure advancement. The Reykjavik clash marks the third European round this window.
Portugal tops Group F with a favorable goal difference and hosts Hungary in Lisbon. A Portuguese win, combined with an Armenian loss in Ireland, seals the spot. Ronaldo, the Qualifiers’ top scorer, could be decisive in another continental duel.
African race in Groups B and D
Senegal leads Group B with 21 points and faces Mauritania at home on Monday. As group leader, a win is enough to avoid relying on Congo’s results, the second-placed team with 19 points, playing Sudan. The Senegalese match could cap an unbeaten campaign in the group.
Congo seeks a turnaround hosting Sudan and hopes for a Senegalese slip. With a tight goal difference, a Congolese win plus a Senegal draw or loss secures first place. The African team has four wins and a draw in recent matches.
Cape Verde leads Group D with 20 points and hosts bottom-placed Eswatini. A simple win ensures their historic first World Cup qualification. Cameroon, with 18 points, faces Angola at home and needs a win plus a Cape Verdean loss to overtake.
Cameroon faces a tricky scenario against Angola. The Indomitable Lions, with eight World Cup appearances, seek a ninth, but recent history includes early eliminations. The Yaoundé match draws attention for involving former African champions.
Tight race in African Group C
Benin leads with 17 points and visits Nigeria in Abuja. As group leader, a win secures direct qualification, a first for Benin. A draw requires South Africa to stumble against Rwanda to hold the lead.
South Africa, second with 15 points, hosts Rwanda and hopes for a Nigerian win over Benin. The Bafana Bafana, absent since 2010, have three straight wins in the campaign. The Johannesburg match could confirm their World Cup return.
Nigeria, third with 14 points, faces Benin at home and needs a win plus a South African draw with Rwanda. The Super Eagles, with six World Cups, aim to avoid a second consecutive absence. The Lagos match promises intensity due to regional rivalry.
- Benin: a win secures the spot; a draw depends on Rwanda beating South Africa.
- South Africa: a win and a Nigerian victory over Benin seal leadership.
- Nigeria: must beat Benin and hope for a South African non-win.
Portugal and England’s strong chances
Portugal relies on itself in Group F, with nine points and a positive goal difference. Against Hungary, a win is enough if Armenia stumbles in Ireland. The Portuguese won all three initial matches, with Ronaldo scoring in two.
England leads Group K with 15 points and faces Latvia away. A simple win secures the spot, given the gap to second-placed Albania with 11. The English have four wins in four rounds.
Norway, in Group I, has 18 points without playing this Monday. Qualification comes if Italy doesn’t beat Israel at home. Haaland, with crucial goals, drives the Viking campaign toward the World Cup.
Outlook in African Group F
Ivory Coast, with 23 unbeaten points, hosts Kenya on Tuesday. A simple win secures the spot, given the one-point gap to Gabon. The Elephants, hosts of the 2023 African Cup, seek a World Cup return since 2010.
Gabon, second with 22 points, faces Burundi at home and hopes for an Ivorian draw or loss. Aubameyang leads the team, which has five wins. The Libreville match could force a final-round upset.
