England can become the first European nation to qualify for the World Cup 2026 when they take on Lativa tonight. The Three Lions have undergone an impeccable campaign so far winning all five of their qualifying games and a sixth win would mean they secure top spot in Group K.
Since Thomas Tuchel took over as England manager at the start of 2025, England have won six of their seven matches under the German with their only blip being a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in a friendly back in June.
How can England qualify for the World Cup tonight?
England currently sit top of Group K with 15 points having won all five of their qualifying matches so far. That is a perfect record bettered only by Norway in Group I who have won all six of their games. Albania sit second in the table on 11 points but have played one game more than the Three Lions while Serbia, who are third, are eight points behind them.
Victory over Latvia this evening will give England another three points and take them to 18 with two matches left to play. That means Albania would be unable to catch up – as the maximum points they can win is 17 – and England would secure their place at the top of the group. They would then qualify for the World Cup as group winners.
What if England draw or lose?
England’s last fixture against Latvia ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory at Wembley back in March. But, should they draw or lose this evening’s match they will not qualify for the World Cup until November at best.
A draw would move them to 16 points while a loss keeps them on 15 points. Either result would leave the door open for Albania to possibly overtake them in the table, though to do so England would need to lose both of their matches during the November camp.
Should England fail to win tonight, the earliest they could qualify for the World Cup would be 13 November when they face Serbia.
How many European teams qualify for the World Cup?
16 nations from Europe will qualify for the expanded tournament next year. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations and will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The 12 qualifying group winners will automatically secure their place at the tournament with the remaining four spots being won through a play-off competition featuring the 12 second place teams.
As of yet, no European nation has secured qualification but England can be the first team to do so.
When is the World Cup?
The 2026 tournament will begin on June 11 in Mexico City, with the final taking place in New Jersey on July 19.
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