The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is well underway, with nations battling it out in the international breaks to secure their spot in the tournament. The upcoming edition will see an expansion to 48 teams and will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
As the excitement builds, there are some big nations that could potentially miss out on the tournament, including previous winners. This would not only be disappointing for the fans but also for the sponsors and industries that heavily invest in the event.
Football expert Ella Houghton from Slotsjudge notes that many online casinos are already gearing up for the World Cup, offering promotions and developing football-themed games to attract players.
One of the big teams that could face a shock omission is Belgium. Despite having a talented squad led by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, their recent form has been inconsistent. Manager Rudi Garcia will need to take some risks to ensure Belgium secures their spot in the tournament.
Italy, the reigning Euro 2020 champions, are also at risk of missing out on the World Cup. They are currently behind Norway and Israel in qualifying and need to improve their performance to avoid a major upset.
In Africa, Nigeria is another powerhouse that could miss out on the playoffs. However, a potential administrative error by group leaders South Africa could give them a lifeline and a chance to qualify.
With several months to go until the tournament kicks off, there is still plenty of time for the big nations to secure their spot. However, the race to qualify is heating up, and there will undoubtedly be some surprises along the way.
As fans eagerly await the World Cup next year, they will be keeping a close eye on their favorite teams and hoping for an exciting and competitive tournament.
