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Football2022 FIFA World Cup: Top 5 Nations Missing From Exciting Qatar Tournament
- The usual suspects of the football world will make another appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
- However, some big nations failed to book their tickets to the first senior men's global showpiece event in the Middle East
- Sports Brief has compiled a list of countries whose disappointed players and supporters will watch from home
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just over a week away.
Players from 32 nations will take part in the event taking place in Qatar, a first for the Middle East. Supporters of all these teams will be watching from home or in the desert, with the promise of glory at the end of the tournament.
However, some global footballing powerhouses will not be at the event, to much shock, horror and disappointment of all involved.
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The Super Eagles have become something of Africa's permanent fixture at the World Cup, but they won't be participating after being knocked out in the play-offs by West African rivals Ghana.
Italy
Possibly the biggest name on the list, the four-time winners crashed out of the running for the race for tickets to Qatar after losing to North Macedonia in the European zone play-offs.
Egypt
The giants of North Africa - and the team with the most Africa Cup of Nations wins - won't be making a trip to the Middle East. However, saying their absence is a shock could be disputed, as underachievement in getting to a World Cup is common when it comes to the Pharaohs.
Colombia
Colombia is a powerhouse of South American football and qualifies for the world cup regularly. However, the country finished in a disappointing sixth place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers and was never really in the race for Qatar.
Nigeria, Italy ranked in top 10 most valuable teams that will miss 2022 FIFA World Cup
FootballChile
Chile has become a force on the global stage, producing world-class players plying their trade for the world's biggest teams. Despite this, they crashed to seventh place in the CONMEBOL stage after an inexplicable loss of form, and will have to undergo a rebuild if they ever hope to compete.
World Cup: Golden Boot winners
Final preparations are underway for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with 32 nations ready to fight for glory at the global showpiece event in Qatar.
Besides the most famous trophy in all of sport, other awards will be up for grabs, including the Golden Boot Award. This gong is awarded to the leading goalscorer(s) after each tournament, and was introduced at Spain '82 under the name of the 'Golden Shoe'.
Sports Brief has compiled a list of winners of the coveted prize over the tournament's history.