A European country has been handed a crucial 3-0 win after their Nations League match was abandoned, and it could boost their chances of making the 2026 World Cup.
On Friday, the Nations League clash between Romania and Kosovo was suspended in the final moments, leaving the 0-0 match unfinished.
Kosovo players left the pitch with the score at 0-0 with only seconds to go, after allegedly hearing pro-Serbia chants from home fans.
The players never returned to the pitch, and UEFA have now announced the result of the match, and it could have a huge impact on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
UEFA announced that they regarded the match as forfeited by Kosovo and therefore, Romania have been granted a 3-0 win.
Due to the chants, the Romanian FA have also been fined total of €128,000 by UEFA , including €50,000 ‘for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters and the stadium will be closed for one UEFA game.
However, being given a 3-0 victory could be huge for Romania as it puts them top of their group with 18 points, securing their promotion to Nations League B.
Even though a 3-0 default win for Kosovo, which would tie both teams on 15 points, wouldn’t have changed the league standings, the crucial three points gained from the game could significantly boost Romania’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.
For the 2026 World Cup, a total of 16 teams from Europe will qualify, with 12 coming from the qualifying group stage and the remaining four coming from play-offs.
The winners of the 12 qualifying groups will automatically secure their spot at the World Cup, while the runners-up will be entered into a play-off format against each other and the four best Nations League group winners that finished outside the top two of their qualifying group.
Kosovo players abandoned their Nations League match against Romania in extra-time of the second half due to alleged pro-Serbia chants. (Image: Getty)
And this is where Romania comes in, as most of the group winners from Nations League A and B are highly likely to finish either as group winners or runners-up in their World Cup qualifying group.
This would mean that the selection of the four best remaining Nations League group winners could go as far as the Nations League C winners, of which Romania now has the most points.
Had Romania’s game with Kosovo been ruled as a draw or a loss, they would be second out of the four League C winners, behind North Macedonia who finished with 16 points.
But having been given the win, Romania now have a total of 18 points, making them the best winner in the third division and boosting their chances of securing a play-off position.