UEFA European Qualifiers – Your Guide to the Road to Euro 2028
If you love football and want to know who’s heading to the next European Championship, you’re in the right spot. The UEFA European Qualifiers decide which 24 nations will play at Euro 2028, and the action is already heating up. Below you’ll find the basics, the current standings, and easy ways to catch every goal.
How the Qualifying Format Works
Europe is split into ten groups – nine groups of five teams and one group of six. Each team plays home and away matches, so you get a total of eight to ten games depending on the group size. The top two teams from every group lock in a spot at the final tournament. The best third‑placed side also qualifies directly, while the remaining nine third‑place teams battle in a play‑off for the final two places.
Points are simple: three for a win, one for a draw, none for a loss. Goal difference breaks ties, and if that’s still even, UEFA looks at goals scored and then head‑to‑head records. Keep an eye on the group table – a single slip-up can push a strong side into the play‑offs.
Where to Watch and Follow the Action
Most qualifiers are streamed live on regional sports networks. In South Africa, SuperSport usually carries the games, while many European fans use UEFA’s official website for live scores and commentary. If you prefer a free option, YouTube often has highlights minutes after the final whistle.
For mobile fans, download the UEFA app. It sends push notifications for your favorite teams, real‑time stats, and a simple way to track standings. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram also provide quick updates – just follow @UEFAEuro or the official accounts of your national team.
Don’t miss the big match‑ups: England vs. Italy, Spain vs. France, and the emerging Dutch side looking to bounce back. These games often decide the group winner early, shaping the rest of the qualification round.
Want to plan a viewing party? Check the fixture list on the UEFA site – it’s organized by date, time, and stadium, so you can set reminders. Most games kick off in the evening local time, which usually means a convenient afternoon or prime‑time slot for African viewers.
For the hardcore stats junkies, the UEFA site provides detailed player profiles, expected goals (xG) figures, and heat maps. It’s a great way to see who’s in form before you decide which players to cheer on.
Finally, remember that the qualifiers are more than just big nations. Smaller teams often pull off surprise wins that shake up the table – think of Georgia or Bosnia making a late surge. Those upsets keep the race exciting right up to the final matchday.
Stay tuned, keep an eye on the tables, and enjoy every moment of the road to Euro 2028. The qualifiers are the perfect preview of the drama, skill, and rivalries that will light up the finals.
Belgium named a veteran-heavy squad for their World Cup 2026 European qualifier against Kazakhstan at Lotto Park, then bossed the match with 66% possession and 32 shots. Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Romelu Lukaku led the core. The fixture followed a trip to Liechtenstein on September 4 as part of a tightly managed September window.
Recent-posts
Sep, 1 2025