With two more rounds of matches to be played, some of Europe’s leading footballing nations face the very real possibility of missing out on a trip to France for Euro 2016 next summer.
To simplify things, here’s an easy guide to the upcoming games, outlining exactly who needs what to qualify for next summer’s tournament.
Group A
Already there: Iceland, Czech Republic
Play-off hopefuls: Turkey, Netherlands
The big surprise in this group is that the Netherlands are relying on favours just to make the play-offs. Danny Blind’s side must win their remaining games against Kazakhstan and Czech Republic and hope that Turkey slip up against one of the group’s already-qualified teams.
Group B
Already there: No-one
Can qualify automatically: Wales, Belgium, Israel
Play- off hopefuls: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus
There’s plenty to play for in Wales’ group. A single point against either Bosnia-Herzegovina or Andorra will see Chris Coleman’s side reach their first major tournament in 58 years. Belgium require just two points from their remaining games against Andorra and Israel.
Israel can also qualify automatically if Andorra pull off an unlikely result against either Belgium or Wales. It’s more likely that one of Israel, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus will take third.
Group C
Already there: No-one
Can qualify automatically: Spain, Slovakia, Ukraine
One of the more straightforward groups. Two of Spain, Slovakia and Ukraine will qualify automatically while the other will have to settle for a play-off place. Reigning European champions Spain face Luxemburg in their penultimate match. In the unlikely event that they were to lose or draw, avoiding defeat in their final game against Ukraine will still be enough for Vincente Del Bosque’s men to reach Spain.
Two Ukraine victories and Slovakia failing to win either of their games would see the 2012 co-hosts qualify automatically.
Group D
Already there: No-one
Can qualify automatically: Germany, Poland, Republic of Ireland
Play-off hopefuls: Scotland
Plenty to play for here, with world champions Germany needing just a point to secure their spot at the Euros. If the Republic of Ireland don’t beat Germany at home, Poland can guarantee their place by beating Scotland.
Third place and entry into the play-offs might be looking likely for the Republic of Ireland, but for Scotland, this is the best they can hope for. Their fate is out of their hands, but victories in their games against Poland and Gibraltar might be enough to put them back into contention.
Group E
Already there: England
Can qualify automatically: Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia
Play-off hopefuls: Lithuania
England are through, but there’s still plenty to play for with only minnows San Marino mathematically ruled out of qualification. Switzerland are three points clear in second place and require a further four points to make absolutely certain.
Group F
Already there: No-one
Can qualify automatically: Northern Ireland, Romania, Hungary
Play-off hopefuls: Finland
Group leaders Northern Ireland require two points from their remaining fixtures with Greece and Finland. While Hungary boast a superior head-to-head record over Romania, victories for the Romanians against Finland and the Faroe Islands will also be enough for them to qualify.
Group G
Already there: Austria
Can qualify automatically: Russia, Sweden, Montenegro
Russia look favourites to follow the Austrians to France from Group G. Russia face Moldova away before hosting Montenegro. A couple of victories will put Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hopes of representing Sweden in a major competitions on the rocks.
Group H
*Croatia deducted 1 point
Already there: No-one
Can qualify automatically: Italy, Norway, Croatia
 Play-off hopefuls: Bulgaria
Italy should be able to find the point they require to qualify in remaining games against Azerbaijan away or a potentially trickier game against second-placed Norway. Third-placed Croatia have a better head-to-head record against the Norwegians, meaning that they could qualify automatically if they ensure maximum points against Malta and Bulgaria.
Group I
*Serbia deducted 3 points
Already there: No-one
Can qualify automatically: Portugal, Denmark, Albania
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal top Group I and will qualify by beating Denmark in the first of their remaining games. If not, there’s another opportunity against bottom-placed Serbia. The Danes could be leap-frogged by Albania for automatic qualification – they face Serbia and Armenia in their remaining games.
