France's qualification path is heavily influenced by their performance in the Nations League quarter-finals against Croatia.
The new World Cup format with 48 teams provides more opportunities but also increases competition among European nations.
Israel's young talent pool may provide a glimmer of hope for a successful qualifying campaign despite their challenging draw position.
France is likely to secure a favorable draw, potentially facing weaker teams, which could ease their path to qualification.
Israel may struggle against stronger teams in their group but could capitalize on matchups against lower-ranked opponents to gain necessary points.
2026 World Cup Qualifying Draw: What to Expect for France and Israel
The draw for the European qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup is set to take place on December 13, 2024, in Zurich, Switzerland. France, as a seeded team, will avoid facing other major European nations such as Spain, Germany, and England. However, the French team will only partially know their opponents during this draw, as their final group composition depends on the outcome of their upcoming Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March 2025. If France wins, they will compete in a group of four teams starting in September 2025; if they lose, they will be placed in a group of five teams.
The Complexities of the Draw Process
The qualification process for the World Cup has become increasingly complex due to the overlap with the Nations League schedule. France, along with 11 other nations, is in the top pot, ensuring they will not face the strongest teams in Europe during the initial draw. The top 12 teams from the qualifying groups will secure direct spots in the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will enter playoff matches. This year’s World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding the competition and increasing the stakes for all participating nations.
Israel's Position in the Qualifying Draw
Israel's national team will also be part of the draw, positioned in the third tier. The team aims to make history despite not being overly optimistic about advancing to the World Cup. The draw will determine their opponents, with the possibility of facing stronger teams from the top two pots. The qualifying phase for Israel will begin in March 2025, with the structure allowing for two rounds of matches in March and June. The team hopes to secure favorable matchups, particularly against lower-tier opponents, to maximize their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
