March 21 marks the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA zone, as European teams begin their journey to secure a spot in the tournament. While other continents have already begun their qualification campaigns, UEFA is the last to join the fray, with some regions, like Asia, nearing the end of their preliminary stages.

The first round of matches will take place on March 21 and 22, featuring several intriguing fixtures. Today's schedule includes:

• Cyprus vs San Marino (18:00 CET)
• Malta vs Finland (20:45 CET)
• Poland vs Lithuania (20:45 CET)
• Andorra vs Latvia (20:45 CET)
• Romania vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (20:45 CET)
• England vs Albania (20:45 CET)

The group stage will conclude on November 18, with teams battling for direct qualification or a place in the playoffs. Ukraine, placed in Group D, will begin their campaign in September. Their opponents include Iceland, Azerbaijan, and either France or Croatia, depending on the outcome of the Nations League playoffs. Only the group winner will secure automatic qualification, while the runner-up will face the challenge of navigating the playoffs.