England will play Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in World Cup 2026 qualifying, in what will be Thomas Tuchel’s first games in charge after replacing Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions, who were among the top seeds for the qualifying draw, were placed in the five-team Group K. First place in each group automatically secures a spot at the finals - in Canada, Mexico and the United States - in 18 months.
Many of the groups are not yet complete and will depend on the outcome of the Nations League quarter-finals, which will be played in March.
Scotland will play the loser of the tie between Portugal and Denmark, along with Greece and Belarus in the four-team Group C
Wales will once again take on Belgium, as well as North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein in the five-team Group J.
Northern Ireland will meet the winners of Germany and Italy’s quarter-final, as well as Slovakia and Luxembourg in the four-team Group A .
Meanwhile the Republic of Ireland will face the winner of Portugal and Denmark’s quarter-final, as well as Hungary and Armenia in the four-team Group F.
Qualifying runs from late March 2025 through to mid-November, with play-offs for those who need them being played out in March 2026.
Follow the live blog for the 2026 World Cup qualifying groups below:
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw - live
- England drawn into Group K with Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra
- Wales to play Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein in Group J
- Scotland to play loser of Portugal/Denmark, Greece, Belarus in Group C
- Northern Ireland to play winner of Germany/Italy, Slovakia, Luxembourg in Group A
- Republic of Ireland take on winner of Portugal/Denmark, Hungary in Group F
- Thomas Tuchel’s first games in charge will be qualifiers in March
World Cup qualifying draw, full results:
12:01 , Mike JonesGroup A: Winner of Germany vs Italy, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg.
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo.
Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Belarus.
Group D: Winner of France vs Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan.
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands, Turkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria.
Group F: Winner of Portugal vs Denmark, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia.
Group G: Loser of Spain vs Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta.
Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovenia, Cyprus, San Marino.
Group I: Loser of Germany vs Italy, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova.
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein.
Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Lavia, Andorra.
Group L: Loser of France vs Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar.
Tuchel to speak with Carsley in January
17:19 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel will hold talks at St George’s Park next month with Lee Carsley, who took interim charge for England’s Nations League campaign in the autumn.
“We will work from January at St George’s and I hope it will become very regular that we will meet and very normal that we meet,” said the incoming England boss.
“Of course we will exchange (ideas) because I’m interested in his point of view about the (squad selection for) the games, about the potential in the group and how he felt about the group and the experiences.
“He is the under-21 coach, so he will be very, very close to me and we have enough time from January.”
Thomas Tuchel to offer ‘clean start’ to Ben White and other exiled England stars
16:56 , Jamie BraidwoodNew England manager Thomas Tuchel will speak to Ben White and offer the Arsenal defender a “clean start” when he takes charge in the new year.
White has not played for his country since he left England’s 2022 World Cup squad during the Qatar tournament, despite impressing for the Gunners.
Gareth Southgate could not convince the 27-year-old to end his international exile, and White did not return under interim boss Lee Carsley either.
But Tuchel, who attended the World Cup qualifying draw in Zurich before taking charge on January 1, has said he will try to speak to White.
Thomas Tuchel to offer ‘clean start’ to Ben White and other exiled England stars
The absurd image that sums up Fifa’s ‘tinpot dictatorship’ as Saudi Arabia awarded World Cup
13:11 , Mike Jonest was a scene that should become infamous, more absurd than anything even witnessed on 2 December 2010.
Fourteen years on, on Thursday 11 December 2024, Fifa’s congress remotely applauded through two “decisions” that acclaimed the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups: Morocco-Portugal-Spain with three matches in Argentina-Paraguay-Uruguay for 2030, and then Saudi Arabia for the tournament four years later.
And that was only the half of it. The tinny applause came from a display of Big Brother-style screens, Fifa president Gianni Infantino standing proudly in front of it. It was an image that somehow represented a devolution from the shock on Sepp Blatter’s face as he read out “Qatar” on that day in 2010.
The absurd image that sums up Fifa’s ‘tinpot dictatorship’ as Saudi awarded World Cup
Thomas Tuchel reacts to World Cup qualifying draw
13:10 , Mike JonesAsked about facing Serbia and Albania, Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“They are always very talented individual players, a very emotional group, a very emotional crowd. So they can always surprise. We have to take this very seriously. It’s a first fixture with Latvia, so a new challenge for all of us.
“And then we are clear favourites, of course, against Andorra, but qualification is key now. Qualification is top priority. We have to be serious. We have to be determined, and we have to show what we’re up for in this group of five.”
Tuchel was asked if he was confident of finishing top of the group, and added: “I don’t see it as a given. The gap closes more and more between the big nations and the small nations. You see it in the Euros lately.
“There are no such thing as results that are already done before the match is played. The smaller nations have become stronger and stronger. So we have to earn our place. We have to earn our top spot.”
England handed friendly draw in 2026 World Cup qualifying as Thomas Tuchel era begins
12:36 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel’s England have been drawn against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The German officially takes over as head coach on 1 January and will take heart from the fact England have never lost to any of the teams they will face on the road to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Scotland are in a four-team group, and will face whichever team loses the Nations League quarter-final tie between Portugal and Denmark, along with Greece and Belarus.
England handed friendly draw in 2026 World Cup qualifying as Thomas Tuchel era begins
Pedro Martinez Losa leaves Scotland role after Euro 2025 qualifying failure
12:27 , Mike JonesPedro Martinez Losa has left his post as Scotland women’s national team boss after failing to qualify for Euro 2025.
The Scottish FA confirmed the decision on Friday morning after the Scots missed out on another major tournament earlier this month, losing 2-0 to Finland in the play-off final second leg after a goalless first leg at Easter Road.
Martinez Losa, who took over as head coach in July 2021, also missed out on the 2023 World Cup via the play-offs.
Pedro Martinez Losa leaves Scotland role after Euro 2025 qualifying failure
We should all be worried about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup
12:17 , Mike JonesFifa’s handing of the 2034 Men’s World Cup to Saudi Arabia, by breaking its own rules and without conducting proper human rights due diligence, highlights why the UK needs to act fast and take a firm stance against “sportswashing” before it’s too late.
A piece of legislation currently making its way through parliament in the UK – the Football Governance Bill, at the committee stage in the House of Lords – should explicitly rule out individuals and entities implicated in grave human rights abuses from securing stakes in football clubs in England and Wales. The new Human Rights Watch report about how Saudi Arabia is using its sovereign wealth fund, which holds a majority stake in Newcastle United, is a prime example.
We should all be worried about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup
Northern Ireland will find it tough
12:15 , Mike JonesNorthern Ireland’s group will feature either Germany or Italy. Both teams will be near impossible to beat on their day.
Slovakia are also tricky customers and very adept at making it out of qualifying but Northern Ireland will need some positive results against them if they hope to progress.
Luxembourg have to be their bankers. They’ll need two wins from two against them to have any chance of going through.
Bellamy will be excited
12:13 , Mike JonesBeing in Pot 1 meant that England were more than likely going to get drawn against favourable teams. Wales on the other hand have pulled a rabbit out of the hat.
Belgium will always be tough but North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein should all be beatable.
Craig Bellamy will be rubbing his hands together at the prospect of a World Cup play-off (at the very least) and maybe even an automatic spot for the tournament itself.
Scotland have testing but pleasing draw
12:11 , Mike JonesI think the most interesting draw for the home nations is Scotland’s.
Portugal/Denmark, Greece and Belarus are all teams that Steve Clarke’s men can perform well against so there is a real chance they can make it through qualifying.
Yet, a stumble here and there could mean they falter against teams who are defensively sound (Denmark and Greece for example).
When are the qualifying matches?
12:08 , Mike JonesTho international breaks which will feature World Cup qualifying are 21-25 March, 6-10 June, 4-9 September, 9-14 October and 13-18 November next year.
No team will play World Cup qualifiers on all of those dates because there is a maximum of eight games. Some teams will start in March, others will start in June and four-team groups will not start until September.
World Cup play-offs will be held between 26-31 March in 2026.
Thomas Tuchel will be pleased
12:04 , Mike JonesEngland have been drawn into a five-team group.
They’ll face Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra with the qualifiers beginning in March in what will be Thomas Tuchel’s first tests as England manager.
The German will be happy with that group. There shouldn’t be too many problems to navigate but you never know.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
12:00 , Mike JonesThe final three teams come out of the pot.
In Group K is Andorra due to a travel restriction in Group J. That completes England’s group.
Leichtenstein meanwhile take the spot in Group J.
Gibraltar are the last team out and they complete Group L.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:58 , Mike JonesThere are six teams in this pot and will be placed in groups G-L.
Malta come out first and go into Group G.
Next out are San Marino who go into Group H.
Group I receive Moldova.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:56 , Mike JonesFull draw after Pot 4:
Group A: Winner of Germany vs Italy, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg.
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo.
Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Belarus.
Group D: Winner of France vs Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan.
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands, Turkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria.
Group F: Winner of Portugal vs Denmark, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia.
Group G: Loser of Spain vs Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Lithuania
Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovenia, Cyprus
Group I: Loser of Germany vs Italy, Norway, Israel, Estonia
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan
Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Lavia
Group L: Loser of France vs Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:55 , Mike JonesBulgaria are a play-off side in March and complete Group E.
Latvia join England in Group K!
Faroe Islands are put in Group L.
Finally, Armenia are put in Group F.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:53 , Mike JonesNext out of the pot are Lithuania who are placed into Group G, the first of the five team groups.
Cyprus are put in Group H as they are not involved in a Nations League play-off.
Estonia are drawn into Group I.
Kazakhstan meanwhile get put into Group J.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:50 , Mike JonesLuxembourg complete Group A.
Kosovo are drawn into Group B.
Belarus are put into Group C with Scotland.
Group D is completed by Azerbaijan.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:47 , Mike JonesOnto Pot 4.
Six of the groups (A-F) will be complete after this part of the draw as they only feature four sides. The other six groups (G-L) will all have five teams.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:45 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel will be pleased with the group so far which includes Serbia and Albania. He’ll feel confident about beating both of those sides with England.
Wales have a trick opponent in Belgium but they’re up against North Macedonia which should excite manager Craig Bellamy.
Scotland have the toughest draw so far. Either Portugal or Denmark and then Greece.
Northern Ireland will play against Germany/Italy and Slovakia. It’ll take some going to get out of this group too.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:43 , Mike JonesFull draw after Pot 3:
Group A: Winner of Germany vs Italy, Slovakia, Northern Ireland
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia
Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark, Greece, Scotland
Group D: Winner of France vs Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands, Turkiye, Georgia
Group F: Winner of Portugal vs Denmark, Hungary, Republic of Ireland
Group G: Loser of Spain vs Netherlands, Poland, Finland
Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovenia
Group I: Loser of Germany vs Italy, Norway, Israel
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia
Group K: England, Serbia, Albania
Group L: Loser of France vs Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:42 , Mike JonesIceland are placed in Group D.
Albania go into England’s group.
Georgia are put into Group E.
Montenegro are placed in Group L.
Finally, Republic of Ireland are placed in Group F.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:39 , Mike JonesFinland aren’t in the March play-offs so get put in Group G.
Bosnia & Herzegovina are put in Group H.
Israel get placed in Group I.
North Macedonia meanwhile get placed in Wales’ Group J. Nice.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:37 , Mike JonesNow it’s time for Pot 3 and there’ll be a few adjustments to be made here as well.
First out of the pot are Northern Ireland, they go into Group A. Another tricky group.
Slovenia then get placed in Group B.
Scotland meanwhile get put in Group C with Greece and Portugal/Denmark.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:33 , Mike JonesFull draw so far:
Group A: Winner of Germany vs Italy, Slovakia
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden,
Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark, Greece
Group D: Winner of France vs Croatia, Ukraine,
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands, Turkiye
Group F: Winner of Portugal vs Denmark, Hungary
Group G: Loser of Spain vs Netherlands, Poland
Group H: Austria, Romania
Group I: Loser of Germany vs Italy, Norway
Group J: Belgium, Wales
Group K: England, Serbia
Group L: Loser of France vs Croatia, Czech Republic
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:33 , Mike JonesNorway are out next and get placed in Group I.
Wales then get put in Group J with Belgium. Tough one.
Serbia are drawn into England’s group.
Finally, Czech Republic go into Group L.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:31 , Mike JonesUkraine are eligible to be put in Group D.
Turkiye are quickly placed in Group E.
Hungary are put in Group F.
Romania are placed in Group H.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:29 , Mike JonesFrom the Pot 2 draw, Slovakia go into Group A.
Sweden then come out and get placed in Group B.
Poland come out next and must be placed in Group G.
Greece, meanwhile, can be put in Group C.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:28 , Mike JonesGroup A: Winner of Germany vs Italy
Group B: Switzerland
Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark
Group D: Winner of France vs Croatia
Group E: Winner of Spain vs Netherlands
Group F: Winner of Portugal vs Denmark
Group G: Loser of Spain vs Netherlands
Group H: Austria
Group I: Loser of Germany vs Italy
Group J: Belgium
Group K: England
Group L: Loser of France vs Croatia
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:24 , Mike JonesThe final four teams in pot 1 come out now. The winner of the quarter-final between France and Croatia will go into Group D while the loser is placed in Group L.
The winners of Spain vs the Netherlands goes into Group E.
The winners of Portugal vs Denmark go into Group F.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:23 , Mike JonesNext out with have the defeated team from the quarter-final between Germany and Italy who are placed in Group I.
Belgium are drawn into Group J.
England are placed in Group K, that’s the one to look out for as the draw goes on folks.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:21 , Mike JonesPortugal vs Denmark play a Nations League quarter-final next year, whichever team loses will go into Group C.
The defeated team from a quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands go into Group G as they cannot be placed into either Group D, E or F.
Austria also cannot be drawn into the previous groups so they get placed in Group H.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:19 , Mike JonesThere are eight teams involved in Nations League play-offs or quarter-finals in this pot.
The winner of Germany vs Italy in March is drawn into Group A.
Switzerland are drawn out next and go into Group B.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:16 , Mike JonesThe first part of this draw is to place the teams in pot 1. This includes England so Thomas Tuchel will be on high alert right now.
Here are the teams getting drawn out first:
Pot 1: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:13 , Mike JonesWith five pots to draw from, Fifa now call on football legends to help draw the ball.
There are 54 teams in the draw and there are a number of factors involved. A video explaining how the draw works is now played to make sure we’re all on the same page.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:09 , Mike JonesUefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, is now introduced and has provided a quick speech through a VT. He points out the ‘unwavering spirit of players and passion of fans that make this tournament special’.
Just a few more formalities to go until we can get to the point of why we’re all here.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:06 , Mike JonesGianni Infantino, Fifa’s president, has just been described as ‘the main man’ as he is introduced onto the stage ahead of this draw in Zurich.
He starts his speech about the beauty of the World Cup trophy and congratulates each nation for qualifying for the qualification stage.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
11:02 , Mike JonesThere’s a couple of points to note before the draw takes place. The four teams who win the Nations League quarter-finals in March will all be sent into groups of four (A-F).
That is because the Nations League finals are played in June leaving no time for other qualifying games. The teams in the quarter-finals will be drawn as placeholders and their groups filled out after the results are known next year.
Nations League promotion-relegation play-off teams are in a similar boat and should end up in a four-team group. Scotland are one such side.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
10:59 , Mike JonesHere we go. The draw is about to get underway in just a few minutes time. The teams will be drawn in order of pots - so pot one teams first, then pot two etc.
Here’s a reminder of all the pots:
Pot 1: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria
Pot 2: Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Wales, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Norway
Pot 3: Scotland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, North Macedonia, Georgia, Finland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel
Pot 4: Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Kosovo, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Lithuania
Pot 5: Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, San Marino
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
10:57 , Mike JonesWith the World Cup 2026 now featuring 48 teams in an expanded tournament the format for European qualifying has changed.
There are now 12 World Cup qualifying groups with six featuring four teams and six having five teams. Teams play each other home and away with the team finishing top of the group qualifying for the World Cup.
World Cup qualifying draw LIVE
10:51 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel has arrived:
Thomas Tuchel is here for the @FIFAWorldCup qualifying draw! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/KkYj9aNJN7
— England (@England) December 13, 2024
Where is the World Cup being held?
10:50 , Mike JonesThe 2026 World Cup Finals will be staged across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
United States (11): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
Mexico (3): Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
Canada (2): Toronto, Vancouver
The World Cup Final will be held in New York on 19 July 2026.
Thomas Tuchel’s charm can’t mask England’s biggest problem
10:40 , Mike JonesThere were more than a few moments when Thomas Tuchel was speaking and Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham looked visibly proud. One was when the new England manager spoke of wanting to put “a second star on the shirt”, at which point Bullingham sat back and almost puffed out his chest.
Everyone was open about the fact that this is solely about 2026, with even Tuchel outright talking of getting “England over the line”. It’s as simple as that. Tuchel also spoke of “making our dream come true in America”, since these are, of course, his dreams now, too.
The German had a lot of these lines, since he knows what buttons to push. This effect on players is one of the reasons that the FA picked him, since his charisma can be captivating. That is all the more positive when this World Cup is going to be by far the most commercially lucrative in history, at an anticipated revenue of $11bn. Everyone knows Tuchel can speak, and this introductory press conference obviously wasn’t a first impression. That knowledge of England is one of the reasons he is here.
What are the pots?
10:30 , Harry Latham-CoylePot 1: France, Spain, England, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria
Pot 2: Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Wales, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Romania, Greece, Slovakia, Czechia, and Norway
Pot 3: Scotland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, North Macedonia, Georgia, Finland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel
Pot 4: Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Belarus, Kosovo, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Latvia, and Lithuania
Pot 5: Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, and San Marino
When is the World Cup 2026 qualification draw? Date and procedure explained
What is the qualifying format?
10:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe 12 group winners qualify directly for the World Cup; the four remaining berths are determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up and the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 Nations League that did not finish their World Cup qualifying group stage in first or second place.
The key dates are below:
Group stage match dates: March to November 2025
Play-off match dates: 26-31 March 2026
2026 Fifa World Cup: 11 June to 19 July 2026
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw - live
10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo how does today’s qualifying draw actually work?
Well, teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four and five teams, with traditional home-and-away matches and “all play all” principles retained. Those in groups of five will begin their campaigns in March 2025, while the groups of four will not get underway until September. In total, 16 teams will qualify for the tournament.
Why is so much of football’s power in the hands of ‘two random men’?
09:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe other thing that this week has served to highlight is the outsized power that Fifa president Gianni Infantino has amassed. Miguel Delaney examines the structure that has allowed both Infantino and Uefa counterpart Aleksander Ceferin to become almost autocratic in their leadership of the sport.
Why is so much of football’s power in the hands of ‘two random men’?
Awarding of 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia will put ‘many lives at risk’, Amnesty International warns
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleMany lives will be put at risk by the decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, human rights campaign group Amnesty International has warned.
The Middle East nation was officially confirmed as hosts at an online Fifa Congress on Wednesday afternoon.
Securing the tournament is arguably the most significant sporting step taken so far by Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of efforts to ‘sportswash’ its reputation through linking itself to major competitions, clubs and events.
Amnesty and other human rights groups have warned about what they see as the multiple risks attached to a Saudi World Cup, and believe Fifa has failed to learn lessons from handing the 2022 event to Qatar.
Amnesty International warns Saudi Arabia World Cup will put ‘many lives at risk’
The absurd image that sums up Fifa’s ‘tinpot dictatorship’ as Saudi Arabia awarded World Cup
09:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleFocus switches back to the 2026 tournament today but it’s been a busy week for World Cup news. Here’s Miguel Delaney on the rather absurd scenes on Wednesday:
The absurd image that sums up Fifa’s ‘tinpot dictatorship’ as Saudi awarded World Cup
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw - live
09:00 , Karl MatchettThomas Tuchel is incoming then, with one simple remit: go and win it.
We know England have reached consecutive Euros finals, but what about the World Cup? Here’s the recent (and not so recent) form....
- 2022 Qatar - quarter-finals
- 2018 Russia - fourth place
- 2014 Brazil - group stage
- 2010 South Africa - round of 16
- 2006 Germany - quarter-finals
- 2002 Korea/Japan - quarter-finals
- 1998 France - round of 16
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw - live
08:45 , Karl MatchettThe message to Lee Carsley consisted of two words. The message from him was longer. The big screens at either end of Wembley after beating Ireland displayed the thoughts of the FA, which seemed echoed by the England team: “Thank you.” And yet, Carsley suggested, goodbye may not be forever.
He will retreat into the shadows, where an unassuming man often seems most comfortable, to return to the lower-profile task of managing the Under-21s.
But Thomas Tuchel only has an 18-month contract. Carsley can seem the anti-Tuchel, without the charisma or the powers of communication, the medal collection or the spells in charge of superpower clubs. He hands over to the German, offering to give him a comprehensive debrief, but with a renewed belief he could be his successor.
Eight debuts, five wins and one regret: Lee Carsley’s England report card
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw - live
08:30 , Karl MatchettJordan Pickford said his top target is to win the World Cup 2026 after twice coming so close to securing England’s first major men’s trophy in decades.
The goalkeeper played in the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 when England lost to Italy on penalties and Spain, courtesy of a late goal.
Pickford is encouraged by the appointment of the Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel as England look to end a wait for silverware that dates back to the 1966 World Cup.
“The new manager is going to come in January and he’s a winner,” said Pickford. “Our main target is to get to USA and lift that trophy. Our focus is definitely… because we’ve been so close, we want to go that one step further.”
Pickford wants to go one step further with England under Thomas Tuchel
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw - live
08:21 , Karl MatchettGood morning all - for those desperately awaiting the next installment of international football, you’re in luck: no action on the pitch today, but the planning for the road to glory in Mexico, Canada and the USA starts here.
We’ve got the Uefa zone qualifying group draw coming up, with England and the other home nations ready to see who stands in their way to reach the finals for the World Cup in 2026.
