From Copenhagen to Kazakhstan, the penultimate matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers delivered plenty of drama across the continent.
Switzerland and Spain on the brink
In Groups B and E, both Switzerland and Spain are one step away from punching their tickets. The Swiss cruised past a Swedish side that looks promising on paper but once again fell flat on the pitch in Graham Potter’s debut. Spain, meanwhile, made quick work of Georgia with a commanding 4–0 win. A draw on Tuesday will be enough for both teams to seal qualification.
Austria nearly there
Austria also moved within touching distance of the World Cup thanks to a win in Cyprus. A brace from all-time top scorer Marko Arnautovic keeps them two points clear of Bosnia. A draw in Vienna would be enough — but unlike the other groups, a loss to Bosnia would eliminate Austria outright.
Belgium forced to wait
One of the day’s surprises came in Astana, where Kazakhstan held Belgium to a 1–1 draw. Rising star Dastan Satpaev — already tipped for a future at Chelsea — struck first with a powerful finish. Vanaken equalized before halftime, but Belgium couldn’t find a winner and will now need to finish the job against Liechtenstein.
High drama in group C
Group C remains the most contested of all. The neck-and-neck battle between Denmark and Scotland will go down to the final match. Denmark were held 2–2 at home by Belarus, while Scotland failed to capitalize, falling to already-eliminated Greece.
On Tuesday at Hampden Park, Scotland vs. Denmark will have the feel of a true final.