The 2018 World Cup is fast approaching, with 17 teams having already booked their spot in next year’s tournament. The qualifiers enter its final round, with 15 vacant positions still up for grabs.
Nonetheless, there are more teams than there are remaining positions, and some heavyweight nations are in danger of failing to qualify. South America isn’t the only continent where giants are sweating over their World Cup fate, as the same can be said for UEFA and CONCACAF.
Here are the biggest names in danger of missing out.
Argentina
Can you imagine a World Cup without Lionel Messi? That could sadly become a reality, as Argentina sit in sixth position – outside the playoff spot. La Albiceleste travel to Ecuador for their final game, a place where they haven’t won at since 2001.
Chile
The race in CONEMBOL is so tight, that third-placed Chile can be leapfrogged by even seventh-placed Paraguay – whom they lead by only two points – on the final day. La Roja travel to Brazil for their final qualifier, and a loss there – accompanied by wins for Colombia or Peru, Argentina, and Paraguay – means the end for Alexis Sanchez and Co.
Colombia
As for the aforementioned reasons, Los Cafeteros’ chances are also in danger. A loss to Peru, whom they face on the final day, could see Radamel Falcao and Co. drop to seventh.
Portugal
A World Cup without both Messi and Cristiano would be heartbreaking, but that is a possibility – albeit a unlikely one. Portugal can still grab an automatic qualification, but failure to beat Switzerland in their final game will send them into an uncertain playoff tie.
Italy
For the same reasons as Portugal, Azzurri could miss out if they fail to win their playoff. Imagine Italy being drawn against Cristiano and Co…
USA
USMNT currently hold the last automatic qualification spot and face the already-eliminated Trinidad and Tobago on the final day. All is well, unless they choke and lose third spot to Panama or Honduras.
Netherlands
The greatest nation never to win a World Cup, third in their group, will fail to qualify unless they beat second-placed Sweden 7-0 on the final day – even captain Arjen Robben admitted that is impossible.
