As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers heat up in UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, October 2025 brings a packed schedule of crucial matches across UEFA groups, with nations battling for direct spots and play-off berths.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament set for Canada, Mexico, and the USA, this window features Matchdays 7 and 8 from October 9-14, including high-stakes clashes like Germany vs Luxembourg and Portugal vs Republic of Ireland.
Recent updates as of October 9, 2025, highlight injury concerns for key players, such as Spain’s Pedri nursing a minor knock and France’s Kylian Mbappé fully fit after recent club action.
Teams like England, France, Portugal, and Spain aim to solidify top positions, while underdogs like Finland and Latvia seek upsets. This round could reshape group standings ahead of November’s finale.
2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers – October European Qualifications Matches, Dates, Times, Predictions, and More
The October 2025 international window features 48 exciting UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, running from October 9-14 across various European venues.
Most matches kick off at 2:45 PM ET (11:45 AM PT / 4:45 AM AEDT the next day), with some adjustments for local schedules. While favorites like France and Spain are expected to shine, surprises could emerge in closely contested groups.
For fans looking for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe October schedule, this guide provides fixtures, analysis, and viewing options tailored to audiences in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Team News and Analysis
UEFA teams enter October with mixed fortunes. Powerhouses like Germany (Group A leaders) boast strong squads, but face depth tests with players like Jamal Musiala potentially rested post-club duties.
France (Group D) remains unbeaten, with Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann key, though Olivier Giroud’s retirement shifts focus to younger talents.
Spain (Group E) deals with Pedri’s fitness but relies on Lamine Yamal’s flair. Underdogs like Scotland (Group C) aim to build on solid starts, while San Marino (Group H) seeks rare points.
Overall, with 16 UEFA spots available (12 direct, 4 play-offs), these matches are pivotal—top teams average 2+ goals per game, but defenses tighten in qualifiers.
2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Head-to-Head Record
| Teams | Matches Played | Wins (Home) | Wins (Away) | Draws | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany vs Luxembourg | 12 | Germany 10 | Luxembourg 0 | 2 | Germany 6-0 (2024 Friendly) |
| France vs Azerbaijan | 4 | France 4 | Azerbaijan 0 | 0 | France 3-0 (2023 Qualifier) |
| Spain vs Georgia | 6 | Spain 5 | Georgia 1 | 0 | Spain 7-1 (2023 Qualifier) |
| Portugal vs Republic of Ireland | 15 | Portugal 8 | Ireland 4 | 3 | Portugal 2-1 (2021 Qualifier) |
| Sweden vs Switzerland | 29 | Sweden 11 | Switzerland 11 | 7 | Switzerland 1-0 (2018 WC) |
Predicted XI Lineups
Lineups vary by match, but for key games:
Germany (4-2-3-1 vs Luxembourg): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Groß, Andrich; Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz; Füllkrug.
France (4-3-3 vs Azerbaijan): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Dembélé, Mbappé, Barcola.
Portugal (4-2-3-1 vs Republic of Ireland and Hungary): Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha; Conceição, Fernandes, Leão; Ronaldo.
Predictions account for rotations due to club schedules.
European Qualifiers Key Players
Across UEFA:
- Kylian Mbappé (France – goal threat)
- Jude Bellingham (England – midfield maestro)
- Rodri (Spain – control)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal – experience)
- Erling Haaland (Norway – scoring machine)
2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Match Prediction
Overall, expect 70% home wins, with top seeds like France, Spain, and Portugal favored.
Key predictions:
- Germany 3-0 Luxembourg
- France 4-0 Azerbaijan
- Spain 2-1 Georgia.
- Sweden vs Switzerland could end 1-1
Over/under: Most under 3.5 goals.