Europe’s qualification race for the 2026 World Cup has been full of twists and unexpected results. Early rounds have seen underdogs outperforming expectations while some traditional powers struggle for form, leaving fans and pundits reassessing group standings. A handful of results in October alone reshaped the likely line-up for next summer, highlighting both the unpredictability of international football and the rising competitiveness among nations that rarely attract attention on the global stage.
Odds and Favourites for the Final Rounds
Betting markets have already reacted to the surprises of the qualifiers. Spain, France, Portugal, and Switzerland are near-certainties for automatic qualification, with odds under 1.10. Teams like Scotland, Denmark, Ukraine, and Kosovo occupy the middle tier, with chances of reaching the playoffs reflected in odds between 2.5 and 5.0. Longshots such as the Faroe Islands and Armenia remain outsiders, with odds ranging from 50.0 to 200.0. Those tracking the qualifiers can consult the online sportsbooks market to compare odds and monitor potential outcomes as the final rounds approach. On various platforms, players can find fast payouts, straightforward sign-up, and generous bonuses, helping them stay engaged as the final rounds unfold.
Faroe Islands: The Cinderella Story
The Faroe Islands have been one of the biggest surprises of the qualifiers. A quiet start to the campaign gave little indication of what was to come, but a 4-0 win over Montenegro quickly caught attention. The islanders followed that with a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic at home in Torshavn, a result that shocked the football community and led to the Czech coach being replaced. Despite having only around 55,000 people, the Faroes have impressed with their discipline and team spirit. Reaching the World Cup might be out of reach, but the Faroes have shown they can push top teams and earn genuine respect across Europe.
Sweden’s Fading Golden Generation
Sweden’s campaign has faltered unexpectedly, leaving a squad once considered reliable facing a difficult road to the World Cup. Back-to-back defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo in October have put their qualification hopes under pressure, including a home loss to Kosovo that drew heavy criticism in the national media. Despite the presence of attacking talents like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, the team has struggled to find the net in recent matches. With just two games left, Sweden will need to win both and hope other results go their way, showing how even experienced teams can struggle.
Kosovo’s Breakthrough Moment
Kosovo’s 1-0 win over Sweden marked a historic moment for the Balkan nation. Fisnik Asllani scored the only goal as Kosovo put in a focused and lively display, moving up to second place in Group B behind Switzerland. Earlier in the window, a 0-0 draw against Slovenia had already highlighted their growing consistency. Kosovo are enjoying their strongest World Cup qualifying run to date, and it’s clear on the pitch that the players are brimming with confidence. Recent wins have given Kosovo a real chance of reaching the playoffs and shown they can compete with some of Europe’s bigger football teams.
Serbia and Other Surprises
Serbia’s 1-0 home loss to Albania shook Group K, while Germany’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia reminded Europe’s heavyweights that qualification is never guaranteed. Several traditional powers now face intense pressure in the closing rounds.
