意媒：FIFA考虑修改世界杯抽签分档规则，附加赛晋级队不再强制4档（意媒：FIFA拟调整世界杯抽签分档，附加赛出线队或不再固定落入第四档）

Explaining FIFA rules

The user shared a Chinese statement about FIFA considering changes to World Cup draw rules, which leads me to think they might want more information. Even though I'm a Codex CLI coding agent, they didn't request any commands. Instead of browsing, I’ll ask if they want a summary or details. I can provide a concise overview of the FIFA World Cup draw seeding rules, including how teams are categorized into pots based on rankings and playoff outcomes.Clarifying potential FIFA rule changes

There’s a potential change where playoff winners might no longer be forced into Pot 4 but placed according to their rankings. Being accurate is crucial, so I’ll avoid making unverified claims. I can provide a brief overview, implications, and examples, particularly with the upcoming 2026 format with 48 teams and how the seeding methodology could change. It’s essential to include pros/cons and the official confirmation status. I’ll also ask if the user wants sources and keep browsing to a minimum.Reviewing historical FIFA playoff seeding

Historically, during the 2018 and 2014 World Cups, playoff winners were unknown at the time of the draw and placed in Pot 4. In 2018, all 32 teams were confirmed before the draw, so there were no placeholders. In 2022, intercontinental playoff winners were determined after the draw date, leading to them being placed in Pot 4 as placeholders. For 2026, the format is set for 48 teams and the draw details are still to be determined, with intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.Examining 2026 inter-confederation playoff details

The inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup will take place in March 2026, likely as a test event in the host countries before the group draw. The final draw might happen in late 2025 or early 2026. Since qualifying will end around that time, the playoff winners may not be known by the draw, which could lead to placeholders again. The proposed rule change would allow these teams to be placed in a pot based on their highest ranking. If the ranking isn't confirmed, they could be seeded by the best-ranked potential team.Considering FIFA playoff structure changes

I have another option regarding pot assignments after the intercontinental playoffs, but using placeholders would complicate things. Since the user is likely from a Chinese audience, I’ll summarize current pot assignments based on FIFA rankings and the implications of potential changes. The report mentions considering a shift from automatically placing playoff teams in Pot 4 to ranking them by their highest potential teams. This could lead to a more balanced draw. I’ll clarify this is based on media reports, with FIFA yet to confirm anything official.