FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Top 4 European teams that could miss out on automatic qualification

Italy could miss out on a direct qualification place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Italy could miss out on a direct qualification place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

#3 Spain

Spain vs Sweden - UEFA Euro 2020: Group E
Spain vs Sweden - UEFA Euro 2020: Group E

There was a time in the 2000s when imagining a FIFA World Cup where Spain were not one of the first teams to get into the finals would have been blasphemous. But times have changed, and so have Spain.

They only have a solitary-point lead over Sweden, and will have to fight to see which of them makes it through by automatic qualification. With the two teams clashing in the final round, a draw will be enough for Spain to go through.

But the last time the teams faced each other it was Sweden who came out on top with a convincing 2-1 win. However, the equation is straightforward for both teams - win and go through.

Nevertheless, a team of Spain's pedigree should have done better. Then again, if Sweden beat them twice, they'll deserve to seal an automatic qualification berth at Spain's expense.


#4 Croatia

Croatia vs Spain - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
Croatia vs Spain - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

Another team who is at risk of missing out on automatic qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is Croatia, the runners-up of the last edition. And they are at a much worse off situation than the other teams in the continent.

Croatia are second in their qualification group, two points behind leaders Russia. If Russia win their final game, there is nothing Croatia can do but fight their way through the playoffs.

Their opening two matches were a 0-1 loss against Slovenia and a 2-2 draw against Slovakia, which might come back to haunt them. Fortunately, their final game is against group leaders Russia, so a win in that game will take Luka Modric and co through to the 2022 World Cup finals.

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Edited by Bhargav
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