Scotland join England after Hampden heroics

Last Updated : 19-Nov-2025 by Three Lions

The automatic qualifiers from Europe for the 2026 World Cup have been confirmed after a dramatic week of action around the continent.

Hampden Park witnessed incredible scenes as Scotland qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, two stoppage time goals seeing off Denmark and earning top spot in Group.

Also joining England in North America next year are Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Belgium and Croatia.

Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will all contest play-offs in March, the Republic earning their place in dramatic style with their own stoppage time heroics in Hungary.

Elsewhere, former England manager Steve McClaren will not be at the tournament, even though Jamaica have another chance to qualify through the play-offs.

McClaren stepped down after a goalless draw with Curacao earned them top spot in their qualifying group and the title of the smallest ever nation to qualify for the World Cup.