Yes the above is true. With a 64 team WC, we would likely need to be ranked low 60s absolute minimum to squeak in as the 48th team in Pot 3, each of the 4 Pots having 16 teams, ie (16, 32, 48 & 64).
UEFA would likely have 22-23 teams qualify for a 64 team WC.
UEFA currently have 35 teams in the top 80 FIFA rankings, so they would probably alone have around 10-12 nations miss out to other countries around the world with a lower ranking.
A low 60s ranking could see a team squeeze into Pot 3.
Uzbekistan (52nd at the time of the draw I think) were the lowest-ranked nation in Pot 3 for this 48 team WC.
Basically without some sort of entry to the Gold Cup or similar with competitive matches, and then a deep run in such a tourney, the AWs are no chance of cracking Pot 3 at the 2030 WC. Though an expansion to 64 teams would certainly help in that regard.
Basically without some sort of entry to the Gold Cup or similar with competitive matches, and then a deep run in such a tourney, the AWs are no chance of cracking Pot 3 at the 2030 WC. Though an expansion to 64 teams would certainly help in that regard.
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