Bizarre World Cup Scenario Sees European Team Needing to Lose to Qualify
A European nation who have lost every single World Cup qualifier, could have a better chance of qualifying for the tournament if they suffer another defeat to Romania.
The smallest country in UEFA, San Marino are renowned as one of the worst nations in the history of international football and did not win a competitive fixture until September last year when they beat Liechenstein in the UEFA Nations League.
That victory came 34 years after their first official fixture, with all three of their wins coming against the same side.
Placed in Group H in World Cup qualifying, San Marino, whose team is predominantly semi-professional, have lost all seven of their fixtures - conceding 32 and scoring just one.
Advert
Roberto Cevoli's side, the lowest ranked side according to FIFA, lost 4-0 to Cyprus on Saturday but it's emerged that losing to Romania in their final fixture could lead to an unthinkable scenario.
Romania are third in the group, three points behind Bosnia and Herzegovina with one game remaining.
The two sides square off on 15 November, before Bosnia take on group leaders Austria a few days later when San Marino take on Romania.
Romania finishing second in Group H would see them qualify for the World Cup play-offs, where there will be a total of 16 teams.
How can San Marino make the World Cup?
12 will be second-placed teams, with a further four spots going to the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who have not already qualified.
Incredibly, San Marino did win their Nations League group in 2024/25 - topping group D1 in League D with seven points from four games against Gibraltar and Liechenstein.
That earned the minnows promotion to League C but also gives them a genuine outside chance of a historic World Cup appearance in the United States.
Romania also won their Nations League group, storming group C1 with maximum points from six games to secure promotion to Group B.
Therefore, in a bizarre turn of events, it is in San Marino's best interests to lose emphatically to Romania so that they take one of the play-off spots handed to Nations League winners.
This feat would not be particularly difficult for San Marino, who have been on the receiving end of many thrashings over the years.
They would then be set for two play-off matches against higher-ranked teams from the divisions above, where two wins would see them qualify for the tournament in North America next year.
Because of UEFA's system, San Marino may also sneak into the play-offs if Sweden or Northern Ireland finish in the top two of their groups as they too were Nations League group winners.
The impossible may be possible for San Marino, who have a chance of creating one of sport's greatest ever achievements.
However, a Bosnia win against Romania on 15 November could crush San Marino's dreams.
48 teams will qualify for the World Cup, 16 of which will be representing UEFA.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, San Marino
Josh Lawless