It really wouldn’t surprise me, but as Asia have extra spots it should still be easier than it has been when they’ve had to go through intercontinental play offs. The teams below them hardly send ripples through the footballing world… I don’t know how many teams actually qualify through the play offs *(just checked and it’s 2)* but looking at some of the teams currently occupying those spots, it’s going to be great to see some new faces potentially but some of them would get seriously spanked at the tournament: Asia - UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi, Indonesia Africa - Gabon, Namibia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso South America - Bolivia Oceania - New Caledonia Concacaf - Could be anyone when you consider America, Canada, Mexico are already qualified and you would suspect the likes of Costa Rica and Panama to go through automatically.
I think the quicker the groups are mixed at random, the better. Seeing some of the tripe that get in most years due to an easy route is ridiculous.
Well aren't all the qualification pots drawn out expect the South American one which obviously has all the teams in one group?
Iran have made it along with New Zealand. Asia looks like the only zone that can offer direct qualification so early on. Uzbekistan & Jordan qualifying would be typically the sort of nations you don't normally see at a World Cup but might as well get used to due to the increased numbers. Still, good on them if they make it. Reckon Australia will finish above the Saudis too.
2 out of 2 for a country I’m keeping an eye on which is Norway. A player like Erling Haaland needs to grace a major tournament. They’ve got a fairly easy group outside of Italy.
Great for Wales but really felt for Macedonia given what's gone on there recently. Their last min goal was a special moment.
Unfortunately for them the UAE win over North Korea (which has eliminated North Korea in itself) means the Uzbekis will have to wait until the next international beak to try and seal their qualification spot, although they are now guaranteed a fourth round spot. They'll play Qatar and United Arab Emirates in those matches. The Seychelle's 5-0 tanking at the hands of Burundi has made them the second team knocked out of CAF qualification (ignoring withdraw Eritrea and suspended Congo) following Sao Tome and Principe. Edit: Chad can now also be added to the list of eliminated African teams following their 1-0 defeat to Comoros. Uruguay have meanwhile drawn 0-0 against Bolivia. Looks like a draw in that match was enough to seal Argentina' qualification due to other results in South America. The defending champions are through. Qualified (7/48): Canda* Mexico*, America*, Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina See you in June for the next international break.
Not sure I follow this. What would the point or unique attraction of a World Cup if the teams were regularly playing each other outside of the Worlds anyway? I think the mix of Nations League some seasons and tournament qualifying in other seasons like UEFA has makes the most sense. You'd also be introducing long distance travel to mid-season games where has now it's mostly regional travel.
Nearly gifted them the win but kept going for a deserved equaliser. Felt we controlled most of the game. Solid start to the campaign overall.
nah, 64 is probably the last logical step. 96 and 128 makes no sense, let alone letting everyone qualify 32 was probably the best number but I want to see my country (Singapore) qualify for the World Cup, so I secretly like 64 as that imncreases the chances of it happening during my lifetime
Another poor show for Brazil. Hammered by their rivals . South American World Cup qualifying 'Embarrassing' Brazil thrashed 4-1 by Argentina
