The method of seeding for the World Cup qualifying draw has undergone a significant change, as it was recently announced that a combination of UEFA Nations League (UNL) performance and FIFA World Ranking would be used. This new approach will have a major impact on how teams are placed in the draw for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
UEFA had requested special dispensation to utilize final positions in the latest edition of the UNL as a factor in determining seeding for the World Cup qualifying draw. This move was aimed at resolving calendar clashes for countries participating in the quarterfinals of the expanded UNL format. The use of UNL performance alongside FIFA World Ranking would ensure a fair and balanced selection process for seeding in the draw.
Under the previous system, England would have been relegated to Pot 2 for the draw after being relegated to League B in the UNL. This would have put them at risk of being paired with other top European teams. However, with the new method, England is effectively guaranteed a spot in Pot 1 due to their strong performance in the UNL and high FIFA World Ranking. This ensures that they will have a favorable draw in the World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA confirmed that Pot 1 of the World Cup qualifying draw will include the top eight countries from UNL League A, as well as the top four countries by World Ranking. This means that leading European nations like France, Spain, England, and Belgium are set to be in Pot 1 for the qualifiers. The new system ensures that the most deserving teams will be seeded in Pot 1 based on both UNL performance and World Ranking.
The expanded format of the UNL necessitates a rearrangement of dates in the calendar to accommodate quarterfinal matches in March 2025. This means that the World Cup draw will also be impacted, with UNL quarterfinalists appearing as winner/loser pairings. The final composition of the World Cup groups will not be fully known at the start of the qualifiers, adding an element of unpredictability to the draw.
The new seeding method presents opportunities for countries that would not normally be seeded in the World Cup qualifying draw. Nations like Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Germany have a chance to secure a Pot 1 spot by performing well in the UNL. Even countries like Poland, Hungary, and Scotland, typically placed in lower pots, can earn a top seed if they excel in the upcoming UNL edition.
The revised method of seeding for the World Cup qualifying draw marks a significant departure from previous practices. By considering both UNL performance and FIFA World Ranking, the new system aims to provide a fair and competitive selection of seeded teams. This change introduces an exciting element of unpredictability to the draw, giving hope to teams that may have previously been overlooked. As the World Cup qualifiers approach, all eyes will be on how the new seeding method influences the composition of the groups and the overall competitiveness of the tournament.
Leave a Reply