England uncover their 2026 World Cup qualifying opponents on new supervisor Thomas Tuchel’s first public look – together with a Euro rematch

Thomas Tuchel and England have been handed a comparatively straight ahead path to the finals of the 2026 World Cup after the draw made in Switzerland this afternoon.

Tuchel will begin his England tenure with not less than one qualifying recreation in March after the 2022 quarter-finalists had been drawn in to a five-team qualifying group comprising Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.

Of these groups, Serbia are the very best ranked nation at quantity 32. They had been overwhelmed 1-0 by a Jude Bellingham purpose within the opening recreation of final summer time’s Euros. The Serbs have not too long ago been charged in relation to racism and the letting off of fireworks.

Serbia’s federation has been banned from promoting tickets for the staff’s subsequent two away video games in UEFA competitions and should shut elements of its stadium at two residence video games. 

It isn’t but identified when they’ll face England as fixtures for qualifying haven’t but been introduced.

That aside England won’t have motive to notably concern Albania – who they’ve overwhelmed 4 instances from 4 video games – Latvia – who they’ve by no means performed – or Andorra, in opposition to whom they’ve amassed a 26-0 combination rating over six video games.

England will face Serbia once more, after beating them 1-0 because of a Jude Bellingham header on the Euros

Harry Kane’s England may even face Albania, Latvia and Andorra in qualifying

There are 12 qualifying teams in whole, with the winners of every mechanically qualifying for the World Cup.

The runner-ups in every group will go into the play-offs, with 4 groups set to progress from these to make the match. 

Both sides will face one another at residence and away, which means Tuchel’s aspect could have eight qualifying matches. 

Elsewhere, the opposite 4 residence nations additionally found their opponents for qualifying.

Scotland, who haven’t certified for the World Cup since 1998, have been positioned in Group C alongside Greece, Belarus and the loser of the Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark. 

Wales reached the final World Cup two years in the past to finish their 64-year wait to play on the most important stage.

They’ve been drawn in Group J alongside Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein. 

Republic of Eire will face Hungary, Armenia and the winner of the Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark in Group F, whereas Northern Eire are in Group A with Slovakia, Luxembourg and the winner of the Nations League quarter-final between Germany and Italy.