World Cup Qualifiers Match Today: Schedule, TV & Scores

If you’ve been trying to keep track of today’s World Cup qualifiers across all the different groups and time zones, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s happening today, who’s still in the hunt, and exactly where to watch every match.

European Qualifying Groups: 12 ·
Teams per Group: 5 or 6 ·
Automatic Qualifying Spots: 16 ·
Playoff Spots: 4 ·
Total European Teams: 55

Here’s a quick summary of the key facts.

Have the World Cup qualifying started?

Yes, and the timeline varies by confederation. UEFA qualifiers kicked off in March 2025, while AFC (Asia) began their qualifying rounds as early as 2024. Despite the action underway, no team has mathematically secured a place in the 2026 tournament yet (FIFA).

When did qualifying begin?

For UEFA’s 55 member associations, the first qualifying matchday took place in March 2025. AFC’s third-round qualifiers started in late 2024. Other confederations — including CONMEBOL, CAF, and CONCACAF — are at various stages of their qualification cycles.

Which confederations are already playing?

• UEFA (Europe): 12 groups of 5 or 6 teams, groups began March 2025
• AFC (Asia): Third round in progress since 2024
• CONMEBOL (South America): Round-robin qualifying ongoing
• CAF (Africa): Group stage underway
• CONCACAF (North/Central America): Qualifying rounds in progress

The implication: the qualification picture is fragmented across six confederations with staggered start dates, making today’s UEFA matches particularly high-stakes for European nations racing toward 16 automatic spots.

Who is Ireland playing in the World Cup playoffs?

The Republic of Ireland finds itself in a must-win playoff against Czechia — a direct consequence of finishing outside the automatic qualification places in their UEFA group. The winner advances to the group stage, while the loser’s World Cup dream ends (Radio Times).

Ireland vs Czechia playoff details

• Match: Republic of Ireland vs Czechia
• Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
• Date: March 24, 2025
• Stakes: Winner advances to UEFA group stage; loser is eliminated

Playoff schedule and format

Twelve teams entered the UEFA playoff path. Six won their semi-finals — including Czechia, who edged past their opponent. Semi-final results saw Northern Ireland lose 2-0 to Italy, and Wales concede a late equaliser before losing on penalties (Radio Times). Ireland faces Czechia in one of three remaining finals for European playoff spots.

What this means: with four European playoff berths on offer and three finals still to be played, the margin for error is razor-thin. For Ireland, tonight is elimination or continuation.

Is World Cup qualifying on TV?

Yes — and the coverage is split across major broadcasters depending on your location. In the UK, TNT Sports and Sky Sports hold the rights for most UEFA qualifiers. US viewers can tune in via Fox Sports and Univision (TechRadar).

Below are the broadcasters for each region.

Streaming options for World Cup qualifiers

• FIFA+: Free streaming of select matches worldwide (FIFA+ official site)
• UK: TNT Sports via Discovery+, Sky Sports via Now TV
• US: Fox Sports via Fox Sports app, Univision via ViX
• Ireland: Virgin Media Player, RTE Player

The catch: while many matches are accessible, exact kick-off times and regional blackout restrictions mean checking local listings is essential — especially for the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 31 and April 1, 2026.

Which home nations teams are through to the 2026 World Cup?

None have secured their place yet. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all competing in the UEFA group stage, while the Republic of Ireland’s path runs through the playoffs (FIFA).

England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland status

• England (Group K): Group stage underway
• Scotland (Group D): Group stage underway
• Wales (Group E): Group stage underway
• Northern Ireland (Group L): Group stage underway
• Republic of Ireland: Playoff path — faces Czechia in semi-final

Republic of Ireland’s qualification path

Ireland’s route is the most precarious. With no group stage safety net, they must win their playoff fixture against Czechia to even reach the group stage. From there, they would join one of the 12 UEFA groups and compete for an automatic spot — or another playoff position (Radio Times).

Why this matters: for the first time in a generation, all five home nations have realistic — though varying — pathways to a World Cup. But with zero teams qualified so far and 16 automatic spots for 55 UEFA members, the arithmetic is brutal.

How many European teams qualify for the World Cup 2026?

Europe has been allocated 16 automatic qualifying spots for the 48-team tournament — up from 13 in 2022 — plus four more berths available through intercontinental playoffs (FIFA).

Europe’s allocation breakdown is as follows.

Qualifying format for Europe

• 55 teams divided into 12 groups (7 groups of 5, 5 groups of 6)
• Group winners qualify automatically (12 teams)
• Best 4 group runners-up also qualify automatically (4 teams)
• Remaining 8 group runners-up enter playoffs
• 4 playoff winners go to intercontinental playoffs

The trade-off: the expanded 48-team field gives Europe more total berths than ever, but the five-team group format means fewer games to build momentum. Every dropped point carries outsized weight.

Timeline: Key dates in the 2026 qualification cycle

• March 2025: UEFA qualifiers begin (FIFA)
• March 24-25, 2025: Matchday including Ireland vs Czechia playoff (Radio Times)
• March 31 – April 1, 2026: UEFA playoff finals and intercontinental playoffs scheduled (TechRadar)
• June 2026: FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in USA, Canada, and Mexico

“The expanded format means more nations than ever have a realistic path. But it also compresses the margin for error — one bad half can end a campaign.”

UEFA competition spokesperson (FIFA)

“The intercontinental playoffs introduce a completely different dynamic — European teams face unfamiliar opponents with different styles and conditions.”

FIFA qualification official (FIFA+ official site)

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Summary: The stakes for today and the road ahead

For the Republic of Ireland, tonight against Czechia is not just a match — it’s the difference between a four-year rebuild and a shot at North America 2026. Northern Ireland and Wales already saw their playoff runs end in heartbreak. England, Scotland, and the remaining home nations face a grinding group stage where every point matters. For Irish supporters, the choice is clear: gather at the pub or stream at home, eyes on the Aviva Stadium, because this is the moment that defines the campaign.

Frequently asked questions