The World Cup Qualifiers November added another thrilling chapter to the race for football’s biggest stage.
November’s European fixtures proved decisive, with 14 new teams securing qualification.
These teams now join the 48-team lineup for WC2026 in North America next year.
The recently concluded phase of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers and CONCACAF Qualifiers added depth to what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive World Cups in modern history.
Beyond the drama on the field, November highlighted rising football talent across continents.
Check out which teams made it in the October World Cup Qualifiers.
World Cup Qualifiers November: Who are the 14 teams that emerged from the intense battles?
The November World Cup Qualifiers were among the most action-packed periods of the entire WC2026 cycle.
With stakes elevated and margins razor-thin, 14 nations stepped up to confirm their participation in the expanded World Cup.
From the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, and the Netherlands joined the fray after the other.
Switzerland, Spain, Scotland, Austria, and Belgium also qualified after notable performances on the final day of the qualifiers, completing the UEFA teams qualification in November.
In the CONCACAF Qualifiers, Curacao advanced first, followed by Haiti and then Panama.
Take a look back at our predictions and results as we continue our World Cup 2026 qualifiers coverage.
November World Cup Qualifiers: 14 new teams join 48-team field
| Team | Region | Method of Qualification | Moniker | Date of Qualification | Last times qualified | Total times qualified (including 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group D winners | Les Bleus | November 13, 2025 | 2022 | 17 |
| Croatia | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group L winners | The Vatreni | November 14, 2025 | 2022 | 7 |
| Norway | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group I winners | Lovene | November 16, 2025 | 1998 | 4 |
| Portugal | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group F winners | A Selecao das Quinas | November 16, 2025 | 2022 | 9 |
| Netherlands | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group G winners | Oranje | November 17, 2025 | 2022 | 12 |
| Germany | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group A winners | Die Mannschaft | November 17, 2025 | 2022 | 21 |
| Switzerland | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group B winners | Nati | November 18, 2025 | 2022 | 13 |
| Spain | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group E winners | La Roja | November 18, 2025 | 2022 | 17 |
| Scotland | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group C winners | Tartan Army | November 18, 2025 | 1998 | 9 |
| Austria | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group H winners | Wunderteam | November 18, 2025 | 1998 | 8 |
| Belgium | Europe (UEFA) | UEFA Group J winners | Red Devils | November 18, 2025 | 2022 | 15 |
| Curacao | CONCACAF | CONCACAF Group B winners | Blue Wave | November 18, 2025 | ___ | 1 |
| Haiti | CONCACAF | CONCACAF Group C winners | Les Grenadiers | November 18, 2025 | 1974 | 2 |
| Panama | CONCACAF | CONCACAF Group A winners | Los Canaleros | November 18, 2025 | 2018 | 2 |
France and Croatia are the first to advance
France was the first to advance in the November World Cup Qualifiers and the second European team overall after England.
Les Bleus blanked Ukraine, 4-0, to top Group F on November 13, 2025, and advance to their 17th World Cup appearance.
France would end up unbeaten after wrapping up its campaign with a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan on November 17, 2025.
On the other hand, Croatia rallied to beat the Faroe Islands 3-1 and join France at the World Cup on November 14, 2025.
The result enabled Vatreni to top UEFA Group L even with a match to spare.
Never miss a moment—explore our World Cup 2026 schedules and fixtures for all updates!
Norway and Portugal follow suit in the World Cup Qualifiers November
Norway and Portugal shared the spotlight on the second day of the November World Cup Qualifiers.
The Lovene advanced after beating Italy, 4-1, on November 16, 2025.
Thus, Norway topped UEFA Group I to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
On the other hand, Portugal overwhelmed Armenia 9-1 on that same day to top Group F.
Cristiano Ronaldo and A Selecao das Quinas are back in the World Cup for the ninth time.
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Germany and the Netherlands could not be denied
There was no denying Germany and the Netherlands the right to add their names to the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Germany will be playing its 21st World Cup and its 19th straight appearance after beating Slovakia 6-0 on November 17, 2025.
Die Mannschaft topped UEFA Group A as they also attempt to win a fifth World Cup title.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, routed Lithuania 4-0 on that same day to top Group G.
The Oranje will return to the World Cup for the 12th time after an unbeaten run in these November qualifiers.
Check out our related content:
- Kosovo vs Switzerland: Highlights from UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Iraq vs UAE highlights: AFC World Cup Qualifiers
- Azerbaijan vs France highlights: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Ukraine vs Iceland highlights: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Georgia vs Spain, Turkey vs Bulgaria highlights: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers
Austria, Belgium, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland complete 11-team UEFA World Cup Qualifiers topnotchers
Five traditional European powers completed the top 11 teams in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Austria topped UEFA Group H after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina for its eighth World Cup appearance.
Belgium made a World Cup return for the 15th time after blanking Liechtenstein, 7-0, to top UEFA Group J.
On the other hand, Scotland will play its ninth World Cup after beating Denmark 4-2 and will lead Group C.
Spain is back at the World Cup for the 17th time after topping Group E despite a 2-2 draw against Turkey.
Ultimately, Switzerland rounded out the cast by topping Group B after a 1-1 draw against Kosovo, securing its 13th World Cup appearance.
Take a look at the list of updated qualified teams here.
Curacao, Haiti, Panama share spotlight after topping groups in CONCACAF Qualifiers
Three nations defied the odds to join the 11 UEFA teams and formalize their entries in the World Cup on November 18, 2025.
The tiny nations of Curacao and Haiti rewrote history by leading their respective groups.
Curacao held Jamaica to a scoreless draw to lead Group B and advance to its first-ever World Cup appearance.
On the other hand, Haiti beat Nicaragua, 2-0, to top Group C and return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Panama closed out the qualifiers’ list following a 3-0 victory over El Salvador to lead CONCACAF Group A.
Los Canaleros, like Haiti, are also playing just their second World Cup and the first since 2018.
Stay tuned to our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
Interconfederation Playoffs: Which teams may still join the last bus to WC2026.
The Interconfederation Playoffs next year will be the last chance for some teams to catch the WC2026 bus.
The best second-placers from the six regional qualifiers will gather in March 2026 in a mini-tournament.
The winners will occupy the remaining spots in the 48-team World Cup.
Iraq will represent Asia, New Caledonia for Oceania, the Democratic Republic of Congo for Africa, Bolivia for CONMEBOL, and Kosovo for Europe.
The final round of the CONCACAF qualifiers will determine the other two playoff spots.
Jamaica and Panama are the favorites to qualify for the mini-tournament.
Check your favorite team’s latest odds by visiting our updated World Cup Odds page.
World Cup Qualifiers November: In retrospect
World Cup Qualifiers November delivered the drama, elite performances, and 14 newly qualified teams for WC2026.
From traditional European powers like France, Germany, and Portugal to the tiny nations of Curacao and Haiti, the month captured the beauty of international football.
Fans now shift focus to the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw date on December 5, 2025, to determine the schedules of their favorite teams.
The Interconfederation playoffs in March 2026 will offer a glimpse of several teams battling out to complete the 48-team cast.
Overall, the road to FIFA World Cup 2026 is not yet over, but the journey promises a tournament unlike any other.
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