FIFA Consider Huge Rule Change For 2026 World Cup That Could Impact England

FIFA are reportedly considering a rule change for the 2026 World Cup that could have a major impact on England.

The Three Lions are the only European nation to have qualified for the tournament so far, having won all eight of their qualifying matches to date.

Thomas Tuchel's side will complete their campaign this month with fixtures against Serbia and Albania but, with top spot secured, the German manager can afford to experiment with more freedom than he would perhaps normally expect.

Tuchel's preparation for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, began before he formally began his role as England boss in January 2025.

And he attended last summer's Club World Cup, held in the States, in order to understand conditions and to evaluate the condition of England stars that were playing in the tournament.

Tuchel may yet be thrown under consideration - that may end up assisting England's progression through the group stages.

The 2026 World Cup will see a record field of 48 teams, increased from 32 at the previous 2022 edition in Qatar.

According to reports from Italian outlet Calcio e Finanza, and Football Meets Data, FIFA are considering whether to implement a rule change that would place the teams in the four pots by their world rankings.

Traditionally, teams are sorted into pots in the same manner, except for those that qualify through the play-offs, who are automatically placed into pot 4.

The new proposed rule would see the teams in question placed into pots through their FIFA world ranking instead.

As it stands in terms of the current World Cup qualifying tables, England would be at risk of potentially drawing Italy - who occupy a play-off spot at present - in their World Cup group.

But if the new rule is implemented, Italy would likely be drawn into pot 1 - the same as England - if they qualify, meaning the two teams could not be drawn against each other next summer.