In total, 54 competing UEFA nations were assigned to 12 different qualifying groups. Those groups saw matches take place in a round-robin format over the course of 2025, concluding in November. The teams that finished top of each group qualified automatically for the World Cup, while the 12 runners-up earned a place in the playoffs.

The Stars and Stripes are in for a major test just three months before they kick off their World Cup campaign.