Next year’s World Cup will surely witness some shock absentees since some international teams, who have for long been regarded as football giants, didn’t make it through the qualification stages for the World Cup finals. See Also: Why Lionel Messi could miss the World Cup finals in RussiaThis is indeed a disappointment to most football lovers who have over the years witnessed these teams qualify for the World Cup so comfortably. ITALYFor the first time since 1958, the Azzuri will not be participating in a World Cup. IVORY COASTHaving qualified for the World Cup on three consecutive occasions in 2006, 2010 and 2014, the Elephants will be another shock absentee in Russia 2018. ALGERIAThe Desert Foxes are yet another shock absentee from Russia 2018, given the quality and depth of their current team.

Source: Standard Digital November 16, 2017 08:26 UTC