Qatar 2022

Qatar 2022: Why are Germany not in Pot 1 of the FIFA World Cup draw?

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group stage draw is just around the corner and the soccer community can't wait for it. Find out here why Germany will not be in Pot 1, where seeded teams will headline each group.

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March 31, 2022 05:21PM EDT

**© Kurt Schorrer/FIFA via Getty Images**Italian legend Daniele De Rossi picks out Germany during the preliminary draw of the 2022 World Cup in 2020.

We may have to wait for a few more months until the tournament kicks off, but Qatar 2022 feels closer than ever. The World Cup qualifiers across the planet are over, with only three playoff games yet to be played to confirm the three remaining berths.

With 29 teams already qualified for FIFA‘s flagship tournament, the much anticipatedgroup stage draw is just hours away from us and the entire soccer community is looking forward to it.

People have already been making mock draws, hoping to predict how the first stage of the upcoming FIFA World Cup will start. The pots have already been filled, with Germany one of the most notable absences in the first pot. Here, check out why they are in Pot 2.

Why are Germany in Pot 2 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 draw?

Pot 1 includes the teams that will headline groups from A to H, so it’s fair to say that the strongest teams are usually there. Qatar are the only team who will automatically be allocated to position 1 of group A for being the host nation.

But not every powerful team will be in the first pot. Germany, for instance, will be in Pot 2 instead. Why? Well, the reason why they are not in Pot 1 is relatedto their position in the FIFA’s world ranking.

Pot 1 is filled with the host nation Qatar and the seven highest-ranked teams, which in this case areBrazil, Belgium,France, Argentina, England, Spain and Portugal. Germany, on the other hand, are 12th in the latest ranking, revealed on March 31st.

Therefore, they could be drawn against any of the teams in Pot 1, something that all of them would prefer to avoid. The German side’s presence in the second pot means that they can possibly set up ‘the group of death’ on Friday’s draw. This is what the top 12 of the latest FIFA world ranking looks like:

Brazil
Belgium
France
Argentina
England
Italy (not participating inQatar 2022)
Spain
Portugal
Mexico
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.