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Explaining FIFA draw changes

The user shared a news headline about FIFA considering changes to World Cup draw rules, specifically that playoff qualifiers may no longer be placed in pot 4. Since they didn’t ask a direct question, they might be looking for a summary or explanation.

I can provide context about the current seeding rules, what the proposed changes mean, and their potential impact on teams. I’ll be careful to avoid assumptions or details beyond what's known and I should ask for the source or use cautious language.Exploring potential FIFA changes

The proposed changes may allow playoff winners to be seeded by FIFA rankings or use live rankings after the playoffs, which could place them in higher pots. This might include not just intercontinental playoffs but also UEFA ones.

Historically, teams were placed into four pots based on rankings, but UEFA playoff winners didn’t always go into pot 4. The goal of these changes seems to be fairness in the draw process and avoiding imbalanced groups, like a “group of death.” I should keep the explanation concise and maybe include a brief Q&A.Clarifying FIFA playoff changes

I need to ensure I’m accurately representing the information, so I’ll say that Italian media reports this and it's not yet confirmed. I can offer to track or translate the original source.

Here's a concise explainer:

The proposal considers removing the rule that playoff qualifiers automatically go to Pot 4. Instead, they would be seeded by FIFA rankings at the draw date.

This change affects the intercontinental playoffs, where six teams will compete for two spots in the expanded 2026 World Cup, finishing in late November 2025 with a mini-tournament format.