Can Faroe Islands Part-Timers Achieve Their World Cup Dream?

The Faroe Islands are making waves in World Cup qualifying, having secured four victories out of their last five matches, a remarkable achievement for a nation that has historically struggled in these tournaments. With their sights set on a potential play-off spot next March, their performance has transformed the narrative surrounding this small archipelago. However, they face a daunting challenge against Croatia, alongside a complex set of results needed to progress further.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Faroe Islands have reached a pivotal moment in their World Cup qualifying campaign. They have won four of their last five matches, including a significant home victory against the Czech Republic. With only one match remaining—a challenging encounter against Group L leaders Croatia—the Faroes are on the cusp of achieving their best-ever qualifying performance. To qualify for the play-offs, they need not only to win against Croatia but also to rely on bottom-placed Gibraltar to secure a favourable result against the Czechs.

Key takeaways

• The Faroe Islands have won four of their last five World Cup qualifying matches.
• A historic win against the Czech Republic has put them within reach of a play-off spot.
• They need to beat Croatia and hope Gibraltar avoids defeat against the Czech Republic.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline detailing the Faroe Islands’ journey through the current World Cup qualifying campaign:

• 1 September 2021: Start of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
• 7 October 2021: First victory against Moldova (2-1).
• 12 November 2021: Another victory, this time against Austria (1-0).
• 12 October 2022: Landmark win against Czech Republic (2-1).
• 30 October 2023: Upcoming match against Croatia, with potential play-off implications.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The excitement around the Faroe Islands’ potential qualification has garnered increased media attention, particularly surrounding their upcoming match against Croatia. The team's remarkable performance has raised hopes among fans, with discussions about the team’s strategy and the psychological boost of having a Faroese coach.

What was already established

Historically, the Faroe Islands have struggled in World Cup qualifying, often finishing at the bottom of their groups. However, their recent successes indicate a significant improvement, with a new generation of players stepping up and a shift in their strategic approach under head coach Eyoun Klakstein.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding the Faroe Islands could influence UK football fans, particularly those interested in underdog stories. As the campaign unfolds, it could lead to increased viewership and engagement with the sport, particularly during the qualifying matches.

Businesses and jobs

The rise of the Faroe Islands in the footballing world could potentially have a positive effect on local businesses, especially those linked to tourism and hospitality, as fans may seek to visit the islands to support their team.

Policy and regulation

Increased attention on the Faroe Islands may prompt discussions about supporting grassroots football initiatives within the country, as well as potential investments in sports infrastructure to nurture young talent.

Numbers that matter

• 12 points: The Faroe Islands' highest ever total in a World Cup qualifying campaign.
• 4 wins: The number of victories in their last five qualifying matches.
• 127th: FIFA ranking of the Faroe Islands among 211 nations.
• 55,000: The estimated population of the Faroe Islands, highlighting their status as a small nation in the footballing landscape.

Definitions and jargon buster

• FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body of football.
• World Cup qualifying: The process by which national teams compete to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup tournament.
• Play-offs: Additional matches that determine which teams qualify for the World Cup after the group stage.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus for the Faroe Islands is the crucial match against Croatia. Success here will depend on tactical execution and performance, as well as an eye on the Gibraltar versus Czech Republic match.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Regardless of the outcome against Croatia, the team will need to focus on building for future competitions, developing younger players, and fostering a robust football culture within the islands.

Signals to watch

• Results from the match against Croatia on 30 October.
• Gibraltar's performance against the Czech Republic on 6 November.
• Future announcements regarding player selections and coaching changes.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support local football initiatives to increase grassroots participation.
• Stay updated on match schedules and team news.
• Engage with the team’s social media channels for the latest updates.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of small nations in football.
• Ignore the importance of youth development in sport.
• Dismiss the excitement and potential of underdog stories.

Checklist

• Follow the qualifying matches closely.
• Learn about the players and their backgrounds.
• Understand the implications of each match outcome.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Faroe Islands have shown significant improvement, their chances of qualifying remain slim. Factors such as the historical performance of Gibraltar and the strength of Croatia must be considered. Additionally, injuries or changes in team dynamics could impact their performance in the final matches.

Bottom line

The Faroe Islands have defied expectations in their World Cup qualifying campaign, but they still face a tough battle ahead. Whether they qualify for the play-offs or not, their journey has already become an inspiring story in football, showcasing the resilience and spirit of a small nation.

FAQs

How many matches have the Faroe Islands won in the current qualifying campaign?

The Faroe Islands have won four out of their last five matches in the World Cup qualifying campaign, marking their best-ever performance.

What do the Faroe Islands need to qualify for the play-offs?

They must defeat Croatia in their final match and hope that Gibraltar avoids defeat against the Czech Republic.

Who is the coach of the Faroe Islands team?

The current head coach is Eyoun Klakstein, who is only the second Faroese coach in the national team's history.