It’s still around a year until the World Cup, but as with the start of any domestic season, the countdown is well and truly on, with the international breaks hotting up as nations look to secure their spot.
The 2026 edition will see a tournament expansion to 48 teams when it touches down in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but even so there could be some surprise omissions, including previous tournament winners.
It would be a disaster for some of the sponsors and those industries building up to the tournament, from the likes of Coca Cola and McDonalds to the rest of the entertainment industry which always get behind their countries. Football expert at Slotsjudge, Ella Houghton, often sees many of the types of online casino Belgium she reviews getting in the spirit of the tournament, providing promotions and seeing a rise in players. Ahead of the World Cup, many casinos on the list may start developing new football-themed games or games featuring key players.
But with 10 months to go, what if the Red Devils don’t make it? We take a look at their chances, as well as some other big nations that could miss out…
So let’s start with Rudi Garcia’s men. With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois among the last of the “golden generation”, it’s make or break in the coming months for Belgium.
On paper, it’s no gamble at all. Belgium are the top team in the group, with the most experienced and talented players. They also have two games in hand on both Wales and North Macedonia who sit above them. Wins would take them into top spot of Group J. But Belgium’s form is pretty rank over the last 12 months and as we know, they have a bit of a habit of slipping up.
For fans, it could be a summer twiddling their thumbs if they aren’t careful, having to find entertainment elsewhere. Perhaps the many online casinos that are promoting the tournament as we’ve mentioned. Garcia will certainly have to gamble a little to get his side over the line.
As do Italy. Despite winning Euro 2020, the nation hasn’t kicked on since and missing out on two World Cup tournaments in a row would be unthinkable. But not impossible. They’re behind Norway and Israel in qualifying, losing to the former 3-0. After that game, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma said: “Our supporters don’t deserve this kind of match. We need to do some soul-searching. It’s unacceptable.”
Further slip-ups could make it a truly unacceptable removal from yet another major tournament.
Photo: shutterstock
There are a few African big hitters that could be missing, most notably Nigeria who could miss out on the playoffs too. Senegal and Cameroon are in play-off positions but at risk, so it’s the Super Eagles, fourth in their qualifying group, most at risk.
However, what could actually give them a lifeline is an admin error on group leaders South Africa. Teboho Mokoena played in a match against Lesotho in which he should have been suspended, with the opponents then protesting this.
As a result, the FIFA code says: “may impose any appropriate disciplinary measures”. This would put Nigeria back within striking distance of the top and closer to qualification.
What may happen between now and June
Of course, so much could happen between now and the tournament in June of next year. Many big name nations have yet to secure their qualification and all will be wanting to rule out being the surprise omission.
There will be at least one of them, and we’ll all be watching eagerly to see exactly which fans will be left heartbroken, and rather bored this summer.
