The FIFA World Cup 2026 is approaching, and after the recent international break, seven nations have already secured their places in the tournament. Joining the automatically qualified hosts – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – are Japan, Argentina, New Zealand, and Iran. Argentina, under Lionel Scaloni, celebrated their qualification with a dominant 4-1 victory over Brazil in Buenos Aires as they aim to defend their 2022 World Cup title. While Asian and South American qualifiers are in full swing, European teams have just begun their campaigns. Over the next year, the competition will intensify as teams vie for a spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup. The European qualification process will determine the 16 UEFA nations out of 54 that will participate in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting on June 11 next year. Let`s examine the notable winners and losers from the international break.
Winner: Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has enjoyed a positive start as the England national team manager. The “Three Lions” began their qualifying journey with victories against Albania and Latvia at Wembley. Tuchel`s arrival seems to have injected fresh energy into a talented squad eager to overcome the disappointment of consecutive UEFA Euro final defeats in 2021 and the previous year under Gareth Southgate. Beyond the improved on-field performances, Tuchel brings hope for silverware. He is only the third foreign manager to lead England, following Sven-Göran Eriksson (2001-2006) and Fabio Capello (2007-2012).
Losers: Brazil
Brazil emerged as the biggest disappointment of this international window. Dorival Junior`s team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to rivals Argentina in Buenos Aires. Beyond the negative result – which occurred after Argentina had already qualified for the World Cup – Brazil`s performance was concerning. Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated superior quality at this stage. Notably, Argentina`s second goal, scored by Enzo Fernandez, followed a sequence of 37 passes, marking one of the longest passing sequences leading to a goal in the current CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Winners: Argentina
Argentina has become the first South American team to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Scaloni’s team will have the opportunity to defend their third World Cup title, won in a penalty shootout against France in Doha four years prior. After a period of expected instability following such a major triumph, Argentina is once again a strong contender for the 2026 title. They secured qualification even without key players like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, who were sidelined with minor injuries. This week has boosted the team`s confidence and reaffirmed their ambition to win again.
Losers: Italy
Despite Italy`s European qualification campaign yet to commence (following their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal loss to Germany), the team is facing challenges ahead of the June matches. After the defeat to Julian Nagelsmann`s Germany, Italy finds themselves in Group I with Norway. Erling Haaland`s Norway team has already won their first two matches against Moldova and Israel. On June 6th, Norway will host Italy in their opening World Cup qualifier. Unless Italy secures points in Oslo, their path to qualification could become difficult. The historical European powerhouse has missed the last two World Cups. Italy`s last World Cup knockout stage appearance was in 2006, when they claimed their fourth title by defeating France on penalties.
