After the group stages of World Cup qualifying were concluded around the globe over the current international break, the draw has now been made for the final few places up for grabs in the 42-team tournament.
Whilst Nick Woltemade’s Germany are already in, alongside Dan Burn’s England, the likes of Sandro Tonali (Italy), Anthony Elanga, Emil Krafth (both Sweden) and Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) have today found out their pathway to qualifying.
Starting in Europe, Italy will have another crack at making next summer’s World Cup in North America after finishing behind Norway in their group, whilst Sweden’s Nations League merit points have handed them a lifeline, despite finishing rock bottom of their qualifying group.
Tonali’s Italy must beat Northern Ireland and then one of Wales or Bosnia to make it, whilst Elanga and Krafth’s Sweden face Ukirane before a potential final against Poland or Albania:
Two World Cup spots will also be claimed at the inter-confederation playoffs in March, where Yoane Wissa’s DR Congo are one game away from making it after ex-Mag Chancel Mbemba helped them to wins over Cameroon and Nigeria in last week’s African semi-final and final.
Wissa’s DR Congo will play the winners of Jamaica vs New Caledonia in March, giving him potential incentive to stay with Newcastle and make sure he’s fit to play his part in the New Year!
So far, the nations who have already qualified are:
Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico and USA
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland
Oceania: New Zealand
Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Curacao, Panama, Haiti
