FIFA have confirmed the official World Cup draw pots

"Germany now have an indication of who they might play at next year's FIFA World Cup. FIFA have confirmed the official draw pots ahead of next week's draw on December 5th. Luckily for Germany, their last November window's string of wins was enough to put Germany up to 9th in the FIFA World Rankings, which was just enough to seal the last spot in Pot 1."

"Because of this result, Germany will now avoid drawing a team such as France, Brazil, Argentina, or Spain in the Group Stage of the World Cup. While many would expect Germany to move on to the knockout stage, given that 32 teams will qualify for next year's knockouts, the Germans will take all the blessings they can get. For a team that has been knocked out of the Group Stage in the past two tournaments, this is a huge boost for Germany."

"Regardless of the pot placement, Germany still could match up in a group with Colombia, Norway, and Ghana. Or perhaps worse, Uruguay, Egypt, and Italy. This draw could also work out quite favorably with a group including Australia, South Africa, and Haiti."

Germany rose to ninth in the FIFA World Rankings after a string of November wins, securing the last available Pot 1 place for the next World Cup draw. Being in Pot 1 prevents Germany from drawing top-seeded teams such as France, Brazil, Argentina, or Spain in the Group Stage. Potential group opponents range widely, including combinations like Colombia, Norway and Ghana; Uruguay, Egypt and Italy; or Australia, South Africa and Haiti. The recent Pot 1 placement offers a significant advantage after consecutive early tournament exits. Group difficulty will depend on the final draw, while Germany's own performance will determine progression.

Read at Bavarian Football Works