How San Marino are just two games away from qualifying for the World Cup

After an unprecedented promotion in the Nations League, European minnows San Marino are eyeing a potential spot at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA's lowest-ranked side, who sit 210th in the rankings, stunned fans after beating Liechtenstein 3-1 on Monday to finish top of their Nations League group.

It was the first ever away win in their entire history, with the team having won just two games prior to the match, only one of which was competitive.

Having secured promotion in the Nations League to the third tier, fans have discovered that it is possible for San Marino to reach the World Cup and have revealed the path to get there.

The qualifying rules stipulate that the top four Nations League group winners who do not finish first or second in their World Cup qualifying group will advance to the play-offs.

If all Pot 1 and Pot 2 teams finished in the top two of their groups, as things currently stand, play-off spots would be awarded to North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Moldova and of course San Marino.

To advance to the play-offs, teams only need two wins in one stage to secure a place at the World Cup.

In fact, teams don't even need to secure a win as two draws and a penalty shootout win would be enough to earn a spot at football's biggest tournament.

A place at the World Cup would be a dream for the football minnows, who are still basking in their third victory on Monday evening.

Goals from Lorenzo Lazzari just after half-time, Nicola Nanni in the 66th minute and Alessandro Golinucci ten minutes later followed Liechtenstein's first-half opener from Aron Sele.

San Marino finished top of the group with seven points, one above Gibraltar, while Liechtenstein are bottom with two points after four games.

San Marino, bottom of the FIFA world rankings at 210, won their first ever competitive match by beating Liechtenstein 1-0 in the reverse fixture in September, 20 years after their only other win in a friendly against Liechtenstein.

The Titani earned another piece of history on Friday evening ahead of their match against Liechtenstein – after a 1-1 draw against Gibraltar in Serravalle.