While Scotland had their climactic World Cup moment back in November, many are still waiting anxiously to see if their nations can clinch one of the six spots still up for grabs ahead of the summer tournament. Here are the 16 European and six global gladiator nations who will make this week’s international break a joy to follow:
UEFA Path A (Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, Bosnia & Herzegovina):
Italy’s national team continues to disappoint fans in World Cup qualifiers — this time around they were schooled by Haaland’s Norway. Once the titans of football, Gli Azzurri have failed to secure automatic qualification for the past two World Cups and have been defeated in both their previous playoffs — first against Sweden then to North Macedonia. Their EUROs win in 2021 is a distant memory at this point and the Italians will need to play with the same passion with which they sing their national anthem. As for the rest, the Bosnians will be looking to reach their second ever World Cup and a last dance for 40-year-old Edin Dzeko, while Wales and Northern Ireland are determined to join their UK neighbors in the States.
UEFA Path B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania):
A depleted Ukrainian side takes on an equally injured Sweden to determine which blue and yellow nation get to host Poland or Albania in a final. Although Ukraine were given the home advantage, the game will be played in neutral Valencia due to the ongoing war. This fact would encourage Graham Potter’s Swedish side, had not every single Swedish goalkeeper gone and gotten themselves injured on the eve of the biggest game of their lives. Potter will have to choose between Swedish league veteran Kristoffer Nordfeldt or take his chances with a debutant. The Poles can expect a fierce Albanian side that will try to subdue a Lewandowski determined to finally make a splash at the World Cup. A Sweden vs Poland matchup would mirror that of the 2022 playoffs that saw Poland pack their bags for Qatar and the Swedes pack their bags for a vacation of disappointment.
UEFA Path C (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, Kosovo):
Despite a strong run in the qualifiers, the Turks could not get the better of Spain and finished second in their group. They will now attempt to sweep aside Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo to reach their first World Cup since 2002. This, however, will not be an easy task. Kosovo were impressive in their qualification groups and will look to make waves by reaching the first World Cup in their short history. Although the Romanians and Slovakians also have a number of aces up their sleeves, it must be said that this will be Turkey’s path to lose.
UEFA Path D (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Ireland):
The final European path will see the Danes try to forget about their Scotland game as they take on North Macedonia at home. In the other semifinal, The Irish will want to boot every ball up to their qualification hero, Troy Parott, to see him score yet another hat-trick. The Czech have a strong squad, however, and who will meet Denmark in the final is very difficult to predict. With the short-lived St Paddy’s passion for Ireland still fresh in my skull, in combination with an inherited dislike of Danes, my heart is with the Irish for this one.
Inter-confederation Path 1: (DR Congo vs New Caledonia/Jamaica):
With the European paths done, we move on to the chaotic international fixtures that will decide the final two spots. The first path sees Jamaica face off against New Caledonia for a final game against DR Congo. The Leopards beat Nigeria to keep their World Cup dream alive and will fancy their chances against these two island nations. Although Jamaica would bring the drip and a fun style of play, I am hoping for the happiness of over 120 million Congolese over some three million islanders.
Inter-confederation Path 2: (Iraq vs Bolivia/Suriname):
Iraq are looking to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986 and millions of football obsessed Iraqis will be dreaming of a win against either Bolivia or Suriname. The South American nations will face-off in a thrilling semifinal beforehand. This may be the most football passionate path so far. I may not be awake for the 3:00 AM kickoff, but I will be avoiding the score and watching the final back afterwards.
Predictions:
Here are the national teams that will clinch the final spots in the World Cup, so place your bets (please be aware that you must be 18+ to gamble and that The Student does not take responsibility for any lost savings) — Italy, Poland, Turkey, Denmark, DR Congo, Suriname (Sweden somehow go through due to Iran withdrawal).
Whether Iran will still go to play a World Cup in an aggressor nation is still not decided. They have appealed to have their games moved and are threatening to withdraw from the tournament. Which ‘lucky loser’ would fill such a spot is still unknown, but the whole drama will inevitably tarnish an already controversial World Cup tournament.
As much as I have enjoyed trashing Gianni Infantino and discussing the politically problematic ‘Soccer’ World Cup in the United States, I will gladly throw my morals to the side if Sweden manage to defeat the patriotic Ukrainians and secure a win in Stockholm. A World Cup is always enjoyable to watch, but not getting to be a part of the fun is a proverbial cuck chair all fans would prefer to avoid. I am, against my better knowledge, dreaming of gold in the USA.
“Stade National Amahoro, Kigali, Rwanda : des supporteurs congolais laissent éclater leur joie lors de la finale du CHAN qui opposait la RD Congo au Mali ce dimanche 8 février.” by MONUSCO is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.