One of the tiniest countries could find itself in an almost inconceivable situation ahead of the World Cup.
A European nation that has lost every World Cup qualifier may have a greater chance of qualifying for the tournament if they lose another match to Romania.
San Marino, the smallest country in UEFA, is regarded as one of the worst nations in the history of international football, having not won a competitive fixture until September last year, when they defeated Liechenstein in the UEFA Nations League.
That victory came 34 years after their first official match, and all three of their victories came against the same opponent.
San Marino, which is primarily semi-professional, is in Group H of World Cup qualifying and has lost all seven games, conceding 32 and scoring one.
Roberto Cevoli’s side, FIFA’s lowest-ranked team, fell 4-0 to Cyprus on Saturday, but it has emerged that losing against Romania in their last match might result in an inconceivable scenario.
Romania is third in the group, three points behind Bosnia and Herzegovina, with one game left.
The two teams will face off on November 15th, before Bosnia faces group leaders Austria a few days later, and San Marino plays Romania.
Romania’s second-place finish in Group H would qualify them for the World Cup play-offs, which will feature 16 teams.
How can San Marino reach the World Cup?
Twelve teams will finish second, with four more spaces going to the four highest-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who have not yet qualified.
Incredibly, San Marino won their Nations League group in 2024/25, finishing first in League D with seven points from four games against Gibraltar and Liechenstein.
This not only secured the minnows promotion to League C, but it also gives them a true outside chance of making history by competing in the World Cup in the United States.
Romania also won their Nations League group, blasting through Group C1 with maximum points from six games to advance to Group B.
As a result, in an unusual twist of fate, it is in San Marino’s best interests to lose decisively versus Romania in order to claim one of the play-off berths reserved for Nations League winners.
This feat would not be very tough for San Marino, who have suffered several defeats over the years.
They would then be set for two play-off matches against higher-ranked teams from the divisions above, with two wins qualifying them for the tournament in North America the following year.
Because of UEFA’s structure, San Marino may also qualify for the play-offs if Sweden or Northern Ireland finish in the top two in their respective groups, as both were Nations League group winners.
San Marino has the opportunity to create one of sport’s greatest achievements.
However, a Bosnia victory over Romania on November 15 could dash San Marino’s hopes.
48 teams will qualify for the World Cup, with 16 representing UEFA.
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