As well as giving the plethora of international breaks a bit of spice, the UEFA Nations League provides a potential route to World Cup qualification.
The tournament bridges the gap between Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualifying, although a strong performance in the Nations League could give nations a bit of security just in case their bid to reach the next global games goes badly.
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means the qualification procedure has become more complicated than necessary and the European part now effectively spans the best part of 18 months.
UEFA Nations League odds can be found on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise, everything you need to know about the tournament’s impact on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is below.
Check Out Our Best Nations League Bets: Football Accumulator Tips For Monday | Poland v Scotland Tips | Luxembourg v Northern Ireland Tips
2026 World Cup qualifying format
The increase in the number of teams participating at the next World Cup means UEFA has been granted a total of 16 places – an increase of three from the previous tournament in 2022.
The nations taking part in qualification for the next World Cup will be split into 12 groups and the winners of each will book their slot in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
The runners up in each qualifying group and the four best Nations League group winners (based on the overall ranking in the Nations League table) that failed to finish in the top two then take part in the play-offs.
The 16 nations will be drawn into four paths comprising a single-leg semi-final and then a final, with the winners of each path booking their spot at the World Cup.
2026 World Cup qualifying dates
The group stage of 2026 World Cup qualification process is scheduled to take place between 21st March 2025 and 18th November 2025.
The play-off semi-finals will be held on 26th March 2026 and the finals on 31st March 2026.
Read More on the UEFA Nations League
- Shoot on over to Paddy Power News for the best Football Betting Tips & News
- How does the UEFA Nations League work? Groups and dates for 2024/25 tournament
- When is the UEFA Nations League Finals? Dates and schedule for 2025
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