The draw for the UEFA play-offs to reach the 2026 World Cup has been made in Zurich.Twelve group winners (Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Norway,

The USA have leapfrogged Mexico to restore their status as CONCACAF's top side, at least on the FIFA Men's World Rankings, which have also confirmed advantageous seeding for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, who will get a bye to the finals of the World Cup's inter-confederation playoffs.

Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo’s neat finish put Spain ahead, before goals either side of half-time from Deniz Gul and Salih Ozcan raised the prospect of an upset. But Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal pounced from close range to equalise, and the final whistle confirmed Luis de la Fuente’s side as group winners.

With less than seven months until the tournament kicks off, here's where things stand heading into the home stretch.

World Cup co-hosts United States, Canada and Mexico will be joined in the pot of No. 1 seeds by Spain, Argentina, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Spain maintained its top spot in the latest FIFA men's world rankings in advance of the 2026 World Cup, while the United States men's national team moved up two spots to overtake rival Mexico.

Mikel Oyarzabal has scored twice to help Spain maintain its perfect form in World Cup qualifying with a 4-0 win in Georgia as it closes in on a berth at next year’s showpiece tournament.

Preview Spain vs Türkiye in World Cup Qualifying with TV info, start time, betting odds, and recent form ahead of kickoff.

All the latest from the draw for the play-offs for the World Cup with Northern Ireland, Wales and Republic of Ireland all waiting to find out their opponents.

The day of Tuesday, November 19, 2025, ends with a cascade of World Cup qualifications, ranging from the fulfillment of duty by the powerhouses to the realization of historic dreams in small nations.