The 55 teams were be drawn into five groups of six and five groups of five. The format for European qualifying has changed, significantly, with more, yet smaller groups than has previously played.

There are twelve World Cup qualifying groups. Six groups will have four teams, and the remaining six groups will have five teams. The twelve group winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup Finals, with the twelve runners-up going into play-offs with the four teams from the Nations League Finals. From which, four will qualify for the Finals.