The Union of European Football Associations [UEFA] has 55 FIFA members. 54 have entered the qualifiers for the 2026 Men’s World Cup. Russia were disqualified from the competition due to their suspension from FIFA and UEFA following the invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine.

16 UEFA teams qualify for the 2026 Men’s World Cup. There are two phases of play.

GROUP PHASE

• 54 teams
• Twelve groups: six with 4 teams each, six with 5 teams each
• Double round robin [home and away]
• 12 teams qualify for final tournament:
  • First placed team in each group
• 16 teams advance to UEFA playoffs:
  • Second placed team in each group
  • Top four group winners from 2024-5 UEFA Men’s Nations League who did not finish first or second in their qualifying group
• Remaining 26 teams eliminated

UEFA PLAYOFFS

• 16 teams
• Two rounds of playoffs:
  • Semifinals: Eight matches
  • Finals: Four matches
• Single matches [extra time and penalties if needed]
• 4 teams qualify for final tournament:
  • Winners of final matches
• Remaining 12 teams eliminated