Featured Image Credit: UEFA/Getty
Topics: San Marino, England, UEFA Nations League, FIFA World Cup, Football
Marcus Chan
Topics: San Marino, England, UEFA Nations League, FIFA World Cup, Football
San Marino could sensationally qualify for the 2026 World Cup play-offs and England could be there to lend a helping hand.
On Monday night, San Marino, who are the world's bottom-ranked team, managed to record their first-ever away win after beating Liechtenstein in the UEFA Nations League.
Aron Sele scored in the 40th minute for the hosts before second-half goals from Lorenzo Lazzari, Nicola Nanni and Alessandro Golinucci sealed a 3-1 win for San Marino.
As a result, they managed to finish top of Group 1 in League D, meaning they will be promoted to League C for the next edition of the Nations League.
In addition, they are now in with a shout of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
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As reported by the BBC, four teams will qualify for the World Cup play-offs via the Nations League.
The teams will be the four highest-ranked group winners who do not finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group.
With 14 Nations League group winners in total, San Marino will be hoping as many of them qualify for the World Cup automatically as possible, giving them the best chance to be the four best-ranked group winners that remain.
Thomas Tuchel's England could be able to aid San Marino's bid for a play-off place by finishing in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss will officially take over from Lee Carsley in January.
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Speaking after beating Liechtenstein, San Marino boss Roberto Cevoli said: "Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they've managed to achieve."
Meanwhile, the president of San Marino's Football Federation, Marco Tura added: "These boys made history tonight.
"As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth. I cried with the boys."