Three places are still available for the 2022 World Cup. However, we know that many of the most talented players in football won’t be going to Qatar.
Enough Football assembled a top-of team of stars who will not be going to the World Cup. You can see our pick below and feel free to post your picks in the comments.
Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
It is a shame that Atletico Madrid and Slovakia’s goalkeeper Oblak will not be there in the final. But Donnarumma’s absence from the final is even more shocking.
The Euros’ best goalkeeper, a manly goalkeeper, played a crucial role in Italy’s victory.
Donnarumma could not stop Italy from being eliminated in the World Qualifying playoff final.
Although he is only 23 years old, Paris Saint-Germain’s goalkeeper should still have the chance to qualify for the World Cup. However, given his poor form this season and ongoing struggles at Parc des Princes, being eliminated would be a terrible thing.
Skriniar: Centre-back
Although Slovakia finished third in their World Qualifying Group, they did not even qualify for the play-offs.
Skriniar was a disappointment, as he played every minute of the unsuccessful World Qualifying campaign.
Inter’s much-loved defender is widely considered to be one of the most talented center-backs in football, but the 27-year-old could not get the chance at the World Cup.
Chiellini, Centre-back
After Italy’s 0-1 defeat to North Macedonia Chiellini was nearly at loss for words. He admitted that he was deeply disappointed by the country’s inability to qualify for the second consecutive World Cup.
It is easy to grasp. Later this year, the defensive veteran will be 38 years old. Chiellini was a key player in Italy’s Euro win but will never be able to play on the biggest stage of football again.
This is great news for strikers all over the world but it is disappointing news for neutral fans who feel that one of today’s greatest defenders should be leaving the national team at the 2022 World Cup.
Center-back: David Alaba
David Alaba could be in multiple positions within this team. Real Madrid’s ace is versatile and so talented.
It was difficult to see Austria defeat Wales in the World European Qualifying playoffs. However, there is now the very real possibility that Alaba will not play in the World Cup.
Although the 29-year old will have many chances to qualify, it is worth noting that Austria hasn’t made it to the final round of the World Cup since 1998.
Right-winger: Mahrez
Manchester City‘s Mahrez scored five goals in support of Algeria, as they won Group A. They defeated Burkina Faso and advanced to the World Africa Preliminary Play-offs.
The North African nation, however, lost 1-2 at home to Cameroon after beating them 1-0 away. They were eliminated by an away goal disadvantage.
Mahrez, now 31, is no longer a player and may not be able to compete in the World Cup.
Midfield: Verratti
Verratti is often considered to be the greatest midfielder in the entire world, and that’s not without reason.
He is best known for his performance at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes against Real Madrid, where he almost managed to control Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro.
Verratti was also very successful at Euro 2020. He regained his starting spot in the Italy squad following his return from injury. He and the Italian team won’t be going to Qatar, however.
Verratti was undoubtedly the best Italian player in the defeat of North Macedonia. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that Verratti’s World Cup appearances might be at 132 minutes forever.
Midfield: Kessie
Kessie will be playing for Barcelona next season but he won’t be playing for Ivory Coast in the 2022 World Cup.
Ivory Coast was denied a place in the play-offs after they were defeated 1-0 by Cameroon during their last group stage match.
This means that Jeremie Boga and Nicolas Pepe, Sebastien Alais, Wilfried Zaha, and Sebastien Allais will not be allowed to travel to Qatar.
Kessie, however, is undoubtedly the best player to show himself on the international stage. However, he can now concentrate on showing that he can break into Barca’s midfield.
Luis Diaz left winger
Liverpool fans were quick to realize why Klopp and his team moved for Diaz due to Tottenham’s interest: The Colombian international is an exceptional talent who instantly fitted in with the Reds.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the hardworking, technically skilled winger in action in Qatar.
Although Dias was a shining star at the Copa America last year, Colombia paid the price for their 0-1 home loss against Peru earlier in the year. This resulted in them finishing sixth on the South American World Qualifying Table.
Striker: Salah
Salah has had a great few months!
First, the Liverpool goal scorer and striker won’t get a chance to take a penalty against Senegal in the penalty shootout at Egypt’s African Cup of Nations final.
In the World Africa Preliminary playoff against Senegal, he also missed a penalty. This resulted in Egypt not reaching the World Cup.
There are rumors that Salah may be considering leaving the Egyptian national soccer team.
Harland: Striker
It is absurd to believe that Harland, one of the most highly sought-after strikers in football, will not be available for the World Cup.
The Borussia Dortmund striker, who has scored eight goals in his five previous national team games, includes five in three World Qualifying matches.
However, this was not enough to qualify Norway for the World Cup finals. Norway finished third in its group and was just three points from qualifying for the playoffs.
Harland will be 21 years old when the time is right, but it will still be frustrating not to be able to play in this World Cup.
Striker: Aubameyang
Aubameyang, who scored nine goals in his 11 first games for Barca, has brought home the lesson to everyone.
The dream of making his World Cup debut appears to have been crushed.
Aubameyang (32), scored two goals for Gabon in the World Africa Preliminary round. However, they came second in their group and were a long way from Egypt’s top spot. They did not qualify for play-offs.
Aubameyang will for now have to accept a late chance at Barca.
