2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Full Fixtures, Dates and Kick-Off Times Across Continents
The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is gathering speed across every continent. With the tournament set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and with the expanded 48-nation format — national teams are battling fiercely for a place on football’s biggest stage. The latest round of fixtures offers fans from around the globe a mix of high-stakes drama, surprise clashes, and historic rivalries.
Europe(UEFA): A jam-packed September Schedule
European qualifying resumed with intensity on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The day opened with Kazakhstan hosting Wales, followed by Georgia against Turkey, Bulgaria facing Spain, Liechtenstein meeting Belgium, and the Netherlands locking horns with Poland. Slovakia also tested their strength against Germany. Most matches kicked off between 16:00 and 18:00 CEST, setting the tone for a thrilling week.
On Friday, September 5, the continent turned its attention to a series of 20:45 CEST kickoffs. Denmark welcomed Scotland in a clash of tactical minds, while Italy hosted Estonia in what many considered a must-win game for the Azzurri. Slovenia took on Sweden, Switzerland faced Kosovo, and one of the headline fixtures saw Ukraine challenging France in front of a packed stadium.
The weekend was no quieter. On Saturday, September 6, Latvia and Serbia began the action at 15:00 CEST, followed later by Armenia hosting Portugal and England squaring up against Andorra at 18:00. As night fell, the Republic of Ireland battled Hungary, while San Marino tested themselves against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the evening fixtures.
Sunday, September 7, carried the same rhythm. Georgia faced Bulgaria at 15:00, before Belgium entertained Kazakhstan, Germany played Northern Ireland, and Turkey clashed with Spain, all under the lights at 20:45. The momentum continued into Monday with Italy traveling to Israel, Belarus challenging Scotland, and Switzerland locking horns with Slovenia.
The first half of September concludes on Tuesday, September 9, when Armenia face the Republic of Ireland, Azerbaijan line up against Ukraine, France meet Iceland, Hungary host Portugal, and Serbia welcome England. Kickoffs are again spread between 18:00 and 20:45 CEST, ensuring that football lovers worldwide will have their eyes glued to screens deep into the night.
South America (CONMEBOL): Every Point Counts
In South America, the unique double round-robin qualification format keeps the intensity sky-high. Matchday 17 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, with all five matches kicking off simultaneously at 21:00 BST. Argentina will take on Venezuela, Brazil will face Chile, Colombia go against Bolivia, Paraguay welcome Ecuador, and Uruguay host Peru.
The final round of fixtures, Matchday 18, is set for Sunday, September 14, with another synchronized schedule at 21:00 BST. Ecuador will meet Argentina, Bolivia clash with Brazil, Chile face Uruguay, Peru go head-to-head with Paraguay, and Venezuela battle Colombia.
Earlier in this window, Argentina had already hosted Venezuela on Thursday, September 4, in Buenos Aires, with the match starting at 19:30 ET (00:30 UTC, Friday). That fixture provided Lionel Messi’s side with the chance to consolidate their campaign as reigning world champions.
Africa(CAF): A Continental Showcase
Across Africa, the qualification calendar has been just as eventful. The action began on Wednesday, September 3, with Seychelles playing Gabon at 13:00 UTC. Over the following days, fans witnessed high-profile games including Egypt against Ethiopia and Morocco taking on Niger on Friday, September 5, at 19:00 UTC. Nigeria hosted Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, in Uyo, with kickoff at 16:00 UTC, in one of the continent’s most watched games.
Matchday 8 continues the excitement from Sunday, September 7, through Tuesday, September 9. Equatorial Guinea host Tunisia on Monday at 13:00 UTC, with several other matches scheduled across the continent as teams jostle for valuable points.
Asia (AFC): All Eyes On October
In Asia, attention has shifted toward October, when the fourth round of qualification begins. Matches are set for Friday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 14, with Group A games hosted in Qatar and Group B in Saudi Arabia. Fixtures include Uzbekistan against Japan, Qatar meeting North Korea, South Korea taking on Palestine, Saudi Arabia welcoming Jordan, Iran hosting Bahrain, and Iraq playing the UAE. Kickoff times will be confirmed closer to the matchdays, but anticipation is already building as the continent edges closer to its final qualifiers.
North and Central America (CONCACAF): The Fight Beyond the Hosts
With the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified as hosts, the remaining CONCACAF nations are locked in a fierce battle for the available slots. On Friday, September 5, Haiti played Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago hosted Curaçao, with both matches beginning at 19:55 ET. Later that evening, Nicaragua faced Costa Rica at 22:00 ET.
The following week, from Monday, September 8, to Tuesday, September 9, more crucial ties take place. Panama are scheduled to meet Guatemala, Jamaica will take on Trinidad & Tobago in a regional rivalry, and Costa Rica will host Haiti. Each match is staged in prime evening slots local to the host countries, ensuring large crowds and strong broadcast viewership.
Oceania(OFC): Decision Already Made
In Oceania, the qualifiers have already wrapped up earlier in 2025. New Zealand secured their place as the region’s direct qualifier, while New Caledonia advanced to the inter-confederation playoffs. No new matches are scheduled for September, but Oceania fans will still be closely following developments as their representative prepares for the next stage.
Inter-Confederation Playoffs: The Final Step
The final pieces of the World Cup puzzle will be decided in March 2026. A mini-tournament will be staged in North America to determine the last two spots for the 48-team showpiece. Six teams will take part: one each from Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania, along with two from CONCACAF. The exact dates and kickoff times will be released by FIFA closer to the tournament.
From Europe’s blockbuster encounters to Africa’s passionate derbies, from South America’s legendary rivalries to Asia’s rising football powers, the path to the 2026 World Cup highlights football’s global spirit. Each fixture carries the hopes of millions, and every kickoff time marks a new chapter in the journey toward North America. With qualification windows overlapping across continents, fans everywhere are reminded that the World Cup is more than a tournament — it is a worldwide festival of the game.
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