165 Days Ahead of the FIFA World Cup: The Countries That Did Not Make It and Why?
We are just 165 days away from the FIFA World Cup Championship that is set to take place across North America this summer. Teams such as Argentina or France were no surprise qualifiers for the 2026 edition of the tournament, but some countries were unable to secure their ticket against expectations. Among the teams that will be missing out, we will not find back-to-back Copa América champions, multiple World Cup champions, and a five-time Africa Cup Champion. The reason these soccer powerhouses are no longer a part of the world playing scenery varies case by case and is further evidence of the ever-changing nature of soccer itself. One can only hope that fans will get to see these teams make a reappearance in the future.
From Back-to-Back Copa America Champions to Back-to-Back World Cup absentees
It has not been that long since Chile won two consecutive Copa Americas against Messi's Argentina in 2015 and 2016. They even faced the World Champion at the time, Germany, in a tight match at the FIFA Confederations Cup Finals, losing by a minimal 1-0. Glory days are over for the Chileans, as they miss out on their third consecutive World Cup. Last time they participated, in 2014, they were eliminated by Brazil in penalty shoot-outs after an excruciating 120-minute match that put audiences worldwide on edge. Things have not been looking good for the southern country these past few years, with stars such as Alexis Sanchez or Arturo Vidal reaching a plateau in their careers. Once more, the fans of La Roja will have to cheer on their neighbors, as Argentina heads to the Championship as reigning World Champions.
Disappointment for the Indomitable Lions
The Cameroonians will also be sitting out on this one after a tumultuous performance in the African World Cup Qualifying stage this year frustrated every opportunity to qualify. This is certainly an unexpected result for the country that holds the African Record for most World Cup appearances, and the only African team to ever beat Brazil in a soccer match. The five-time Africa Cup champions lost their chance to participate in the world stage after a 1-0 defeat against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the playoffs this October, marking the end of the qualifiers. This is not the end for the Cameroonians; the Africa Cup might provide a rare opportunity for redemption. Just today, Cameroon tied against the Ivory Coast, a World Cup qualifier, 1-1 in the group stage. Fans have enough reasons to dream of a better future for the team.
Italy to Playoffs
The Azzuri are not strangers to glory; they have won four World Cups and two European Championships. They became World Champions most recently in 2006 and European Champions in 2020. Despite all this, the team did not qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, losing in the playoffs against Sweden and Northern Macedonia, respectively. Playoff records do not seem to be on their side as they head to this stage for the third consecutive time. Nevertheless, the team still has a real chance to qualify this March in Bergamo. Should the Nazionale beat Northern Ireland, they would head to the playoff finals against either Wales or Bosnia Herzegovina. Will the Italians see their team restore their former brilliance, or will they once more retreat to being mere spectators of the World Cup? This question will get an answer this spring.
Final Thoughts
There is undeniable joy in watching a national soccer team make it to the world stage. The World Cup has seen nations rise and fall, a constant among all types of political and social conflicts across the ages. The only two times the World Cup was canceled were in 1942 and 1946, during and after the Second World War. This should serve as comfort for the fans; it is not bold to assume that soccer is not going anywhere. There is a good chance your national team will qualify again throughout your lifetime. As of now, fans should relax and enjoy the show that will take place this summer.
