World Cup 2026 European Teams Preview: Germany, France, England and More

UEFA sends 16 teams to the 2026 World Cup — the largest allocation of any confederation. European teams account for five of the last seven World Cup winners and dominate the betting markets for 2026.

The big five

Germany (Group E) — A revitalised Germany, energised by hosting Euro 2024, bring a young and hungry squad. They should advance comfortably from Group E and are genuinely capable of reaching the Final.

France (Group I) — Les Bleus may be the tournament’s most complete team. A settled squad, world-class talent at every position, and experience of winning the biggest occasions.

England (Group L) — England’s golden generation faces its last realistic chance to win a World Cup. The squad has remarkable depth and quality; the question is whether they can hold their nerve in knockout football.

Spain (Group H) — Spain have reinvented themselves as a technically brilliant, possession-based side. Their young squad has the hunger to match the technique.

Portugal (Group K) — Portugal’s squad extends well beyond one player. A well-balanced team that should advance from Group K without major difficulty.

Strong contenders

Netherlands (Group F) — A strong, physical, and technically gifted Dutch side have rebuilt after missing the 2018 tournament.

Belgium (Group G) — Slightly past peak golden generation but still a top-eight quality team.

Croatia (Group L) — Two consecutive World Cup semi-finals or better. Croatia are expert at playing their best football when it matters.

The rest of Europe

Switzerland, Sweden, Czechia, Austria, Norway, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Scotland round out the European contingent. Switzerland are perhaps the most dangerous of the second tier, having reached consecutive round-of-16 stages. Norway, with an exceptional goalscoring record in qualification, could be a dark horse.

Predict how the European teams perform in our World Cup 2026 prediction game.