JoshMartini007

Depends on how FIH gives priority. In the past the continental qualifiers have always been the highest priority (even higher than the host quota) so they could do that again, even if chronologically these events occur earlier. Still it would be nice to see debut nations in a sport where it is difficult for new nations to qualify (outside of host nations)

Pool B looks to be quite simple for and meanwhile Pool C may end up being a blood bath with four Top 8 nations

Thinking about it, the inter-continental play-off 2 spot basically forces their group to contain two European teams and one African team this is because they cannot be drawn against Asia, South America and CONCACAF teams and New Zealand is in the same pot. While it is likely we will have such a group, there is also a good chance (~10% by my quick and not-accurate math) that we won't. I wonder if FIFA has taken special precautions or just hope it won't come to that.

There isn't a perfect way to create pots. The continental zone pots were unfair to the non-seeded South American teams and Mexico/United States as more often than not they were put into the Group of Death. At least now it gives all nations a fair chance to be placed in a strong or weak group

Should have placed the UEFA play-off teams in Pot 3, would have made things a lot fairer

Short track relay is already a bit chaotic so a mixed relay just adds to it.

Yeah, as much as I'd like to see 10+ medals in Short Track, that would be best case scenario. 7-8 would be a good showing.

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I feel all the bobsleds should be the same. They did it with the women's monobob in 2022 and from a spectator point of view it looked as if the best drivers performed the best.

To be fair that quota was originally awarded to Ireland, but Australia argued for continental representation despite not being in the top 40 and were awarded it. As a compromise, they allowed Ireland to compete.

Short track isn't for the faint of heart. It's a bit scary that the success or failure of our Olympics will largely depend on this sport.

Teqball at least has some relevance in Asia (still doesn't belong), but Padel has never had a medalist from Asia at the World Championship level.

Let's just invite all of the remaining teams and move straight to a 64-team tournament

I've seen it a few times at lower levels. Usually the B team is a lot hungrier to show they belong to the A team

FIFA had an opportunity to better balance the distribution. I would have taken one from Asia and CONCACAF and given them to Europe and then allow Europe two entrants to the inter-continental play-offs

Just for fun, here are the third place nations after removing the sixth team results (if applicable). This would have been the alternate to using the Nations League Rankings. - 9 points - 8 points - 7 points (+2) - 7 points (-1) ---- - 7 points (-2) - 7 points (-5) - 7 points (-6) - 6 points (0) - 6 points (-7) - 6 points (-8) - 4 points - 3 points

Here's the second placed teams based on the October World Rankings - I - 9th - C - 20th - E - 26th - D - 27th ---- - G - 33rd - J - 34th - L - 44th - A - 46th ---- - K - 61st - F - 62nd - H - 75th - B - 84th Given the gaps I don't think anyone will move up/down a pot. The Pot 4 teams will be as follows - B - 40th - H - 47th - J - 65th - A - 69th

will also return for the first time since 1998

holds on to qualify to the World Cup for the first time since 1998

I think you're right, I thought Iraq had a bigger point lead

Here's what the inter-continental play-offs look like among eligible nations, Top 2 will get a bye to the final: - 31st - 45th - 57th - 60th - 64th - 67th - 68th - 76th - 82nd - 88th - 126th - 150th Bolivia and New Caledonia cannot finish in the top 2. DR Congo will be watching the Asian qualifier and hoping UAE wins so they can clinch top 2 as it is impossible for both Panama and Costa Rica to advance together to the inter-continental round. An Iraq win means they will finish top 2. CONCACAF as you can see is still a big mess with 7/12 nations not only eligible to finish second, but also outright qualify to the World Cup. It's quite possible for someone to finish with 11 points and still fail to make the play-off. Considering the amount of draws we've seen this round, a draw for anyone except Curacao (who will qualify to the World Cup outright) means they will have to watch the other results and hope things go their way.

Here's an update to the potential second placed teams based on the October World Rankings - I - 9th - C - 20th - H - 24th - E - 26th - D - 27th - G - 33rd - J - 34th - C - 38th - L - 44th - A - 46th - K - 61st - F - 62nd - J - 65th - H - 75th - B - 84th Slovakia is the second place team for Group A. They appear to be destined for Pot 2, but could end up in Pot 3 if things don't go their way. The removal of Germany means one of Turkey or Ukraine will move up to Pot 1, the other will hope to move up after tomorrow's matches.

I wonder how much Pegoes and Capataz paid for those advertisement spots.

Here's an update to the potential second placed teams based on the October World Rankings - I - 9th - A - 10th - C - 20th - H - 24th - E - 26th - D - 27th - G - 33rd - J - 34th - C - 38th - L - 44th - A - 46th - K - 61st - F - 62nd - J - 65th - H - 75th - B - 84th Ukraine and Ireland locked up their spots as second place teams. Ireland is currently in Pot 3, but I suspect they will leapfrog Albania in the November rankings which means there's a chance for them to sneak into Pot 2 if other results go their way. In a worst case scenario, Ukraine would be in Pot 2, but should the favourites pull through they will move into Pot 1.

Do you think the team will be on the front page tomorrow?

scores in the 90+6 minute to move on to the second round, is eliminated. also snuck one more goal in and won 9-1 against . I guess they wanted to make up for the loss against Ireland a few days ago.