World Cup European Qualifiers Heat Up as September Fixtures Kick Off

The race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies this September as Europe’s biggest footballing nations return to action for Matchdays 5 and 6 of UEFA qualifying. With 16 spots up for grabs in the expanded North American tournament, the coming week is set to deliver high drama across the continent.

Heavyweights Begin Their Campaigns

Some of Europe’s giants open their qualification journeys this month.

• France travel to Kyiv on 5 September to face Ukraine before returning home to host Iceland four days later. Didier Deschamps’ squad includes stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, underlining the French ambition to book an early ticket to the finals.

• Germany, under Julian Nagelsmann, start away to Slovakia on 4 September before meeting Northern Ireland in Hamburg on 7 September. With three newcomers called up, the Mannschaft are blending youth with experience.

• England will be expected to collect maximum points from their matches against Andorra (6 September) and a sterner test against Serbia (9 September). Tottenham’s Djed Spence earns his first senior call-up, providing fresh energy at right-back.

Key Clashes to Watch

• Netherlands vs Poland (4 September, Amsterdam): A heavyweight duel in Group G where Ronald Koeman’s side must be wary of Robert Lewandowski’s influence. The Dutch follow up with an away trip to Lithuania on 7 September.

• Spain vs Türkiye (7 September, Madrid): A fiery encounter that could shape Group E. Spain first meet Bulgaria while Türkiye travel to Georgia in their opening September fixtures.

• Hungary vs Republic of Ireland (6 September, Budapest): Both sides have ambitions of snatching direct qualification behind Portugal in Group F. Ireland also meet Armenia on 9 September, a potential banana skin.

Underdogs Seek Upsets

Elsewhere, smaller nations look to upset the established order. Wales head to Kazakhstan on 4 September before returning home to face tougher challenges in October. Luxembourg, who pushed hard during Euro 2024 qualifiers, will test themselves against Slovakia and Northern Ireland.

In Group H, minnows San Marino host Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands meet in a clash of outsiders in Group L.

September Schedule Overview

• Matchday 5: 4–6 September – first full round for groups of four teams.

• Matchday 6: 7–9 September – follow-up fixtures across the continent.

Highlights include:

• Germany vs Slovakia (4 Sep)

• Ukraine vs France (5 Sep)

• England vs Andorra (6 Sep)

• Spain vs Türkiye (7 Sep)

• France vs Iceland (9 Sep)

• Serbia vs England (9 Sep)

Road Ahead

By the end of September, the qualification picture will be clearer, with frontrunners emerging and pressure mounting on underperforming nations. With only group winners earning automatic World Cup spots and runners-up forced into the perilous play-offs, every point is crucial.

Europe’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is well underway — and September’s matches may prove decisive in shaping who makes the journey across the Atlantic.

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