Question about the World Cup Draw

[skb124]

In looking at the World Cup simulator, it has Russia alone as a European team in the 3rd pot. How would they be able to ensure that only 2 European nations are in one pool in that case, or is this a situation where there could possibly be 3 together? Say you draw Germany out of pot 1, us in pot 2, Russia in pot 3, and the Netherlands in pot 4, would FIFA allow that to happen?

 

[Cousin Jeffrey]

They wouldn't allow it. In your example, when they drew Netherlands, they would only allow them to be placed in groups with less than 2 European teams.

 

[skb124]

Alright, I figured they wouldn't allow it, but I wasn't positive. So basically, whoever is the lone European team in pot 3 is guaranteed to miss Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. That is convenient to say the least. Obviously you still have a 50/50 shot of getting Brazil or Argentina, but you also have a 50/50 shot of drawing Uruguay or Colombia. In order of my least favorite draws I would go with Spain, Brazil, Germany, Belgium Argentina, Uruguay, Switzerland, and Colombia.