Nico Williams, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo (Getty Images) With another World Championship only nine months away from the European champions of Spain and another heavy weight will finally start its qualifying campaigns this week. France, Germany and Portugal also start their trips and strive for a place in a tournament that will take place in North America. Elsewhere, the picture looks very different. Argentina’s World Cup holders, together with Brazil and Ecuador, have already sealed their places from South America. In Asia, six teams reserved their tickets. Europe has 16 slots, with 12 going directly to the winner of the group and four more to decide through the playoffs.
Pedri, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal from Spain (photo Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Spain, second in the world behind Argentina, starts his campaign away to Bulgaria before facing a tough test in Turkey. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams and strengthened by Rodri’s return from injuries are considered one of the favorites. But coach Luis de la Fuente urged caution and pointed out that even giants like Italy had missed the World Championship in the past. France looks at the last big run under Didier Deschamps, which is expected to resign after 14 years. Les Bleus are strong popular in a group with Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan. For the first time, Deschamps called on Liverpool Forward Hugo Ecitike and reminded the fans that the qualification is never easy.
Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal and coach Roberto Martinez (photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Portugal begins life after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, while Roberto Martinez promises to honor his memory. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, looks determined to lead his country in an attempt for a girl’s World Cup.
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Germany led by Julian Nagelsmann hopes to end a bad run at the main tournaments. They start against Slovakia and Northern Ireland, with the new stars Florian Wirtz and Nick Woldemade offering hope.
Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England, gives instructions Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke from England (photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Italy remains in trouble after a disastrous defeat of 3-0 in Norway in June. Gennaro Gattuso has now taken over as a coach and faced Estonia and Israel without space for slipping. Meanwhile, England has become a stable start under Thomas Tuchel and looked comfortable in its group, while Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden are also expected to be questioned in their pools. The journey to the first world championship of 48 teams began and in Europe every slip could prove to be expensive.
