The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaigns are heating up across the globe, with several key matches taking place. Meanwhile, former Chelsea and West Ham boss Graham Potter is set to make his debut as the manager of Sweden.

Potter's Sweden Debut

Graham Potter's appointment as the new head coach of Sweden has generated considerable excitement. The Swedish Football Association has turned to Potter to revive the team's hopes of World Cup qualification after a disappointing start. Sweden currently sit fourth in UEFA Group B and are struggling to qualify for the World Cup 2026. Potter, who previously coached at Ostersund in Sweden between 2011 and 2018, has signed a short-term contract with the aim of leading Sweden to the World Cup next summer. Potter's first match in charge will be against Switzerland. He has announced that his new team will play a variation of 4-4-2, a system familiar to Swedish fans.

European Qualifiers

Several crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying matches are being played across Europe. England and France have already secured their places at the World Cup, with Croatia also sealing their spot. Other teams are battling for the remaining spots, with group winners qualifying directly and runners-up entering the play-offs. Some key results and upcoming fixtures include:

• Group A: Germany and Slovakia are battling for the top spot. Northern Ireland are assured of a play-off place.
• Group B: Switzerland, Kosovo, and Slovenia are competing for qualification.
• Group D: France have qualified as group winners. Iceland will finish second and enter the play-offs if they avoid defeat by Ukraine. Ukraine will finish second and enter the play-offs if they beat Iceland.
• Group F: Portugal are in a strong position to qualify. Republic of Ireland and Hungary are also in contention.
• Group K: England have qualified as group winners. Albania will finish second and enter the play-offs.

CONCACAF Qualifiers

In the CONCACAF region, the qualifying campaign is also reaching a critical stage.

• Curaçao defeated Bermuda and now top Group B. They only need a draw against Jamaica to qualify for their first World Cup.
• Trinidad and Tobago drew with Jamaica, eliminating themselves from contention.
• Suriname secured a significant victory over El Salvador.
• Other matches to watch include Guatemala vs Panama, Nicaragua vs Honduras, and Haiti vs Costa Rica.

Other Qualifying Regions

The race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is underway in other regions as well. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have already reached the FIFA World Cup 2026, sending United Arab Emirates and Iraq into the fifth round of Asian qualifying.

With the final qualifying matches approaching, the stakes are high as teams fight for a place in the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.