“It doesn't look bad, let's just get there”

Ashley Davis05/12/2025

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Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, 05 December 2025, 21:24 / Updated Friday, 05 December 2025 21:44

The drawing of the groups for the 2026 World Championship took place on Friday evening, at the “Kennedy Center” in Washington, and Romania already knows what awaits it if it succeeds in qualifying. Mircea Lucescu's national team would end up in Group D, alongside the USA, Australia and Paraguay, in a group considered accessible compared to other possible scenarios.

In order to reach the tournament, Romania must first pass the barrage in March: Turkey away, and if they qualify, the final with Slovakia or Kosovo, also away. The play-off semi-final will take place on March 26, 2026. The final is scheduled for March 31.

First reactions after the draw

Gabriel Tamaș (42 years old) and Ioan Andone (65 years old) commented on the draw and the possible group of the Romanian national team in the event of a qualification, in a show dedicated to the World Championship, broadcast on Antena 1.

Gabi Tamasrealistically after the draw: “We were up, then we went down a bit. We were beating the Turks everywhere. When I was at FCSB, I played against Manchester City (no in the Champions League) and I said I want to play with the best. We scored 6 or 7 goals (no – it was 0-5), but Nița was the best, they saved a penalty.”

John Andone appeared optimistic: “It doesn't look bad. We have a chance, if only we can get there. We still talk and it's very good that we are there in the four (no from the dam). We can qualify, there are two matches.

First get past the first match, which I find much harder than the second. And we, look, the generation we were in, when you get there you say “What do I have to lose?”. Don't be afraid there.”

During the Digi Sport Special show, Marius Lăcătuș (61 years old) and Gabi Balint (62 years old), former winners of the European Champions Cup with Steaua, also expressed their opinions:

Marius Lăcătuş: “An accessible group, not one to be scared of. We cannot compare Austria with Cyprus or Paraguay with San Marino. It's a tougher group than in the Nations League but, of all the teams, it was a lucky draw.”

Gabi Balint: “We are finalists, we won the Cup. What is more difficult: to pass the barrier or FCSB to take the championship?”, added Balint excitedly.