By JAMES COHEN
After securing an unprecedented Nations League promotion, European minnows San Marino are eyeing up a potential spot at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s lowest-ranked side – who sit 210th in the rankings – stunned fans after beating Liechtenstein 3-1 on Monday and, in turn, finished top of their Nations League group.
It was a first ever away win in their entire history, with the side having only won two games, of which only one was competitive, prior to the clash.
Now, after securing Nations League promotion into the third tier, fans have figured out that it’s possible for San Marino to reach the World Cup and revealed the path to do so.
Qualification rules state that the best four Nations League group winners who do not finish first or second in their World Cup qualifying group will go to the play-offs.
If all Pot 1 and Pot 2 teams finished in the top two in their groups, as things stand now, playoff spots would be awarded to North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Moldova and, of course, San Marino.
San Marino recently earned promotion into the third tier of the UEFA Nations League
Now, fans have figured out how the European minnows can qualify for the 2026 World Cup
If you thought this day couldn’t get more crazy, check this out:
‼️ San Marino 🇸🇲 may be only 2 games away from qualifying to the 2026 World Cup ‼️
How is that possible?
Best 4 UNL group winners who do not finish Top 2 in their WC qualifying group will go to WC play-offs.
If… pic.twitter.com/np9ceMgKCE
— Football Meets Data (@fmeetsdata) November 18, 2024
To progress from the play-offs, teams only need two single leg wins to secure a place at the World Cup.
In fact, teams don’t even need to secure a win – as two draws and a penalty shootout win would be enough to earn a spot at football’s biggest tournament.
A place at the World Cup would be a dream for the football minnows, who are still reveling in success of their third every victory on Monday night.
Goals from Lorenzo Lazzari just after the break, Nicola Nanni in the 66th minute and Alessandro Golinucci 10 minutes later followed Liechtenstein’s first-half opener from Aron Sele.
San Marino finished top of the group with seven points, one above Gibraltar, while Liechtenstein are bottom with two points after four games.
San Marino, bottom of FIFA’s world rankings at 210, won their first ever competitive match by beating Liechtenstein 1-0 in the reverse fixture in September, 20 years since their only other victory in a friendly also against Liechtenstein.
The Titani earned another piece of history the Friday night prior to their Liechtenstein clash – after drawing 1-1 with Gibraltar in Serravalle.
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Revealed: How San Marino – officially the worst national team in football – are just two games away from qualifying for the World Cup
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Publish date : 2024-11-19 05:06:00
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