World Cup 2026: Italy would be a top seed if they qualify | OneFootball

From Zurich comes a favorable hypothesis for the Azzurri: the new FIFA criterion rewards the ranking

2026 World Cup, Italy would be a seeded team if they qualify

A rumor coming from FIFA circles in Zurich is sparking discussion within the Italian Football Federation. If Italy were to gain access to the 2026 World Cup through the playoffs, they would still be placed among the seeded teams for the December 5 draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington. If confirmed, this prospect would represent a significant advantage in the composition of the group stage.

The possible change in criteria: ranking at the center

According to reports, FIFA is considering changing the mechanism used for Qatar 2022. Teams qualifying through the playoffs would no longer be distributed in the pots based on their qualification path, but exclusively according to the updated FIFA ranking.

For Italy, this would be a real turning point. The Azzurri currently occupy ninth place in the world ranking and, as a result, would automatically be among the twelve seeded teams provided for by the new 48-team World Cup format.

“This approach would allow us to avoid prohibitive matchups already in the group stage,” explain sources within the Federation, aware of the strategic significance of the change.

The only variable: Germany

The only national team theoretically able to threaten Italy is Germany, currently in tenth place. But to overtake the Azzurri, a rather unlikely combination of results would be needed: the Germans would have to end up in the playoffs and surpass Italy in the ranking, something only possible if they lose the direct clash with Slovakia and a series of strongly negative combined results occur.

If, on the other hand, Germany were to reach the World Cup through the playoffs but remain outside the seeded teams, they would become the main wild card in the December draw.

An easier group for the Azzurri

For Italy, currently focused on the playoffs, this scenario would open up more favorable prospects compared to the recent missed World Cup qualifications. The advantage, besides being symbolic, would be tactical and competitive: starting as a seeded team means avoiding at least two of the major powers in the group stage.

“The goal remains qualification, but knowing the possible placement in the draw changes the perception of the path,” explained a FIGC official updated on the evolution of the situation.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.