Top teams who might not play in the Qatar World Cup 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo-Portugal against France

The group stages of the World Cup 2022 European qualifiers ended earlier this week and some of the top nations across the globe are yet to finalise their place in the main event next year.

Meanwhile, some of the South American teams are vying for a place in the World Cup as well.

The likes of Italy, Portugal, Uruguay, Chile, Australia, Ivory Coast, Mexico and Sweden are yet to secure qualification for the World Cup and they will have to do really well in their next few matches in order to make it to the main event.

Italy

Roberto Mancini’s side managed to win the European Championships against England earlier this year and few would have expected them to perform as they did in the qualifiers.

It will be interesting to see if they can regroup and win the playoffs in the coming months.

Portugal

The former European champions have an exceptionally gifted squad and they will be bitterly disappointed to be competing in the playoffs for the World Cup.

It would be a travesty if Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on a World Cup at this stage of his career where it could be his final appearance in the main event.

Uruguay

The South American giants possess world-class talents like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

Missing out on the World Cup will be a massive blow for them and it remains to be seen whether they can beat the likes of Chile and Paraguay and secure their place in Qatar.

Sweden

They were excellent during the European Championships and heavyweights like Spain struggled against them in the competition.

Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic came out of retirement to help his country qualify for the World Cup but chances are looking dicey for the Swedish.

Mexico

They have qualified for the knockout rounds of every World Cup since 1994 and it would be a devastating blow for the country if they miss out on the showpiece event in Qatar next year especially with talents like Hirving Lozano and Raul Jimenez at their disposal.

Chile

The South American giants are currently sitting outside of the automatic qualification spots and it remains to be seen whether they can buck up and when their remaining games to secure qualification.

Australia

They are currently third in their group but they have managed to reach the World cup in the last four additions.

Ivory Coast

The African giants are set to miss out on the World Cup after their disappointing performances in the qualifiers.

The draw against Mozambique prevented them from reaching the next round and it will come as a major blow to the side.