With the next World Cup just nine months away, European champions Spain and other heavyweights are finally kicking off their qualifying campaigns this week. France, Germany and Portugal are also starting their journeys, aiming for a place in the tournament to be held in North America. Elsewhere, the picture looks very different. World Cup holders Argentina, along with Brazil and Ecuador, have already sealed their spots from South America. In Asia, six teams have booked their tickets. Europe has 16 slots available, with 12 going directly to group winners and four more to be decided through play-offs.
Pedri, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal of Spain (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Spain, ranked second in the world behind Argentina, begin their campaign away to Bulgaria before facing a tough test in Turkey. Led by youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, and boosted by the return of Rodri from injury, they are considered one of the favourites. But coach Luis de la Fuente has urged caution, pointing out that even giants like Italy have missed World Cups in the past. France are eyeing one last big run under Didier Deschamps, who is expected to step down after 14 years in charge. Les Bleus are strong favourites in a group featuring Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan. Deschamps has called up Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike for the first time and reminded fans that qualifying is never straightforward.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and coach Roberto Martinez (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Portugal begin life after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, with Roberto Martinez promising to honour his memory. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, looks determined to lead his country in pursuit of a maiden World Cup.
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Germany, led by Julian Nagelsmann, are hoping to end a poor run at major tournaments. They start against Slovakia and Northern Ireland, with new stars Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade offering hope.
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England gives instructions to Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke of England (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Italy remain in trouble after a disastrous 3-0 defeat to Norway in June. Gennaro Gattuso has now taken over as coach and faces Estonia and Israel with no room for slip-ups. England, meanwhile, have made a steady start under Thomas Tuchel and look comfortable in their group, while Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden are also expected to challenge strongly in their pools. The road to the first 48-team World Cup has begun, and in Europe, every slip could prove costly.
