Four teams will qualify for a play-off to reach the World Cup via the Nations League.

They are the four best-ranked group winners who do not go on to finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group next year.

With teams in the top Nations League division highly likely to qualify for the World Cup through European qualifying – and many teams in the second tier too – it gives an extra incentive for teams across Leagues B and C.

By finishing top of Group B2, England are extremely likely to have a World Cup play-off spot banked, with the same situation facing Group B4 winners Wales.

Northern Ireland top C3, which gives them at least a chance, but Scotland are not in the running to get a play-off spot through the Nations League.

The four teams who get into the play-offs via the Nations League will be put in with the 12 teams who finish second in their World Cup qualifying groups – with four spots for 2026 up for grabs.

Seedings for the World Cup qualifying groups will largely be decided by Fifa world rankings, not Nations League finishes.

The exception is that the top seeds will be drawn out of the teams who finish in the top two of each League A group – plus the four top countries by world rankings.

England’s world ranking of fourth – third in Europe – means they are highly likely to be top seeds despite not having been in League A.