Overview
- UEFA sets aside four World Cup playoff places for Nations League group winners who have not already qualified or reached the playoffs via standard qualifying.
- San Marino won its 2024–25 Nations League mini-group but ranks last among the 14 winners, so a berth would only cascade to it if enough higher-ranked winners no longer need the reserved slots.
- Eight of those winners have already secured direct qualification or playoff places, leaving Romania and Northern Ireland as the remaining cases that could free a spot.
- A large Romania win over San Marino, paired with a convincing Northern Ireland victory over Luxembourg, is the improbable combination described as potentially unlocking the berth.
- Despite this pathway, San Marino’s qualifying campaign underscores the odds: one goal scored, 32 conceded, no points, and the team sits 210th in the FIFA ranking.