In a recent development, England’s seeding in the draw for World Cup qualifying has been virtually assured after a decision to combine UEFA Nations League (UNL) performance with FIFA World Ranking for the process. This decision was made to avoid a clash in the calendar for teams that reach the quarterfinals of the expanded UNL. It is crucial to note that while every other confederation solely relies on World Ranking for its qualifying procedures, UEFA has made a unique exception by incorporating UNL performance.
England’s Pot 1 Assurance
Previously, there was a possibility that England could have been relegated to Pot 2 based on their UNL performance under manager Gareth Southgate. However, with the recent decision, England is expected to be included in Pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying draw. This decision ensures that England, along with other leading European nations like France, Spain, and Belgium, will feature in Pot 1.
The World Cup qualifying draw format has been revised to accommodate the changes brought about by the inclusion of UNL performance. Pot 1 will now consist of the top eight countries from UNL League A, in addition to the top four countries based on World Ranking. This new method provides an opportunity for countries that would not traditionally be seeded to secure a place in Pot 1 through a successful UNL campaign.
Countries like the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria, who form part of the UEFA top 12 in the World Cup, will have the chance to secure a Pot 1 place by finishing in the top two of their group or through a strong FIFA Ranking performance. On the other hand, countries like Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Scotland, and Israel will be participating in League A in the upcoming UNL edition, offering them an added incentive to perform well and potentially secure a top seed in the World Cup qualifying draw.
The date of the World Cup qualifying draw is yet to be confirmed, but FIFA has announced that the final allocation of pots will be determined after the completion of the UNL group phase on Nov. 19. The qualifying process will involve 12 groups of four or five nations, with fixtures scheduled from March to November next year. Furthermore, the playoffs are set to take place in March 2026, adding an extra layer of excitement to the qualifying campaign.
The collaboration between UEFA and FIFA in utilizing UNL performance alongside World Ranking for World Cup qualifying seeding marks a significant shift in the traditional approach. This new method not only ensures a fair and competitive process but also provides an opportunity for underdog nations to secure a top seed placement. As the World Cup qualifying draw approaches, the footballing world anticipates an exciting and unpredictable journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
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