2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)

High school (ages 12+)
Sports & Games

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/2026-fifa-world-cup-qualification--uefa-

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How many European teams can qualify for the 2026 World Cup?Sixteen European teams can qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. This is the number of spots UEFA has been given for the tournament.
2. How does the UEFA qualification process work?Teams are drawn into groups and play matches at home and away. The team that finishes first in each group earns a direct spot in the World Cup. Teams that finish just below the top can still qualify through play‑off matches.

UEFA: The Union of European Football Associations, the continental governing body for football in Europe, overseeing its member associations and competitions.
Qualification: The competitive process through which national teams earn a place in the final tournament of a major international sporting event like the FIFA World Cup.
Group Stage: An initial phase of a tournament where teams are divided into groups and play a series of matches against other teams within their group.
Play-offs: Additional matches played between teams that narrowly missed direct qualification, offering a final chance to secure a spot in the main tournament.