For the first time ever, the World Cup will take place in winter instead of the usual hot season. But no matter the season, billions of fans are definitely looking forward to the World Cup as a means of enjoying top-class football performed by top players and national teams.
For the most part, the big names of football have secured their place in the finals later this month. However, some fans will be disappointed by the fact that a number of players and national teams will not be making an appearance in the finals this year. Before booking your flight ticket to Qatar, let’s take a look at the top teams and players who will be sitting the World Cup 2022 out.
European champion Italy not making the cut
Without a doubt, many fans are distraught by the fact that the Italian national team has spectacularly allowed its World Cup 2022 ticket to slip through their fingers. Roberto Mancini’s team, which was absolutely stellar during the European Championship in 2021, lost 1 – 0 to the North Macedonians in their own backyard in the qualifying stages.
Due to the Azzuri being eliminated, numerous Italian stars will be watching from the sidelines for the final round of the World Cup. These players include Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, Leonardo Bonucci, Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zaniolo. along with numerous others.
Other top European countries that failed to qualify
13 European teams have successfully secured their spot in the finals this year. These European countries are Belgium, Denmark, Germany, England, France, Croatia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Serbia, Spain, and Wales. However, some notable football nations are missing.
Not including Italy, the list includes Sweden, Norway, Austria, the Czech Republic, Scotland, and Turkey. These mainstays of European football were unable to qualify somehow, which means fans will not be able to see the following footballing greats perform on the world stage this year.
Among the missing players are the Swedish strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) and Alexander Isak (Newcastle United). Similarly, Norway’s Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Martin Ödegaard (Arsenal) will not be participating.
Furthermore, the World Cup will be held without the presence of Patrik Schick (Czech Republic & Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey & Inter Milan), Andrew Robertson (Scotland & Liverpool) and Jan Oblak (Slovenia & Atletico Madrid).
World Cup without some of Africa’s biggest stars
From the continent of Africa, numerous well-known national teams will not be booking their flights to Qatar. With Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast failing to qualify, the crowd won’t be chanting the names of Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool star) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Manchester City).
Additionally, players such as Victor Osimhen (Nigeria & SSC Napoli) and Franck Kessie (the Ivory Coast & Barcelona) are also missing from the World Cup. With Nigeria and the Ivory Coast out of the picture this year, the spectator stand will definitely be missing some African atmosphere as fans of these two countries are particularly known for their vibrant football culture.
