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FIFA Considers Ranking Changes for 2026 World Cup Playoffs

11/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

FIFA is considering seeding playoff teams by FIFA rankings for the 2026 World Cup, instead of Pot 4.
Italy could move to Pot 1 if they qualify under the new system.
Turkey and Nigeria could see improved placements, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar may drop.
The change aims to balance a 48-team World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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Story summary

FIFA is considering seeding playoff teams by FIFA rankings for the 2026 World Cup, instead of Pot 4.
Italy could move to Pot 1 if they qualify under the new system.
Turkey and Nigeria could see improved placements, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar may drop.
The change aims to balance a 48-team World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.