The 8 2018 World Cup countries that have failed to qualify for Qatar

All 32 finalists for the 2022 World Cup have now been confirmed and the countdown to the finals can now begin in earnest. But, while the lucky competing nations ready their plans, a number of countries that participated in 2018 will be watching from the sidelines this year.

The 2018 edition in Russia was one of the best World Cups in recent memory, with a high number of goals, drama and surprise results keeping the world richly entertained.

While Italy were the headline failure during this year’s qualification process, the Azzurri weren’t present last time around either.

But there were eight countries that played in Russia that won’t be taking part in 2022 and we’ve identified them here.

Colombia

Colombia were one of the best things about Brazil 2014 – ‘Hamez’ Rodriguez, colourful fans and sexy football – and their 3-0 demolition of Poland four years later was one of the standout performances of the last World Cup.

But they won’t be in Qatar. A squad containing Luis Diaz, Radamel Falcao and Rafael Borre somehow went seven qualifiers without scoring and late victories over Bolivia and Venezuela weren’t enough to salvage their campaign.

As a consequence, one of the most colourful footballing nations will be watching this year’s tournament from home. And England will have to find someone else to beat on penalties.

Nigeria

Normally a World Cup staple, Nigeria were minutes away from reaching the knockout stages in Russia before a late Marcos Rojo winner sent Argentina through instead.

And they won’t have the chance to make amends this year after losing to Ghana in March’s play-off. A goalless draw in Kumasi left them in pole position but a 1-1 draw in the return saw the African giants knocked out on away goals.

While their arch-rivals celebrated, a side featuring Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey were left to reflect on their first failure to reach the finals since 2006.

At least the fans took it well…

🚨 | Nigeria fans storm the stadium after their side failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup. This resulted in fans throwing objects at the Ghana players and smashing the dugouts pic.twitter.com/RHTS0ApTV8

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 30, 2022

Sweden

The scourge of many fancied sides in the past, Sweden won’t be in Qatar after losing 2-0 to Poland in their play-off decider back in March.

Their failure to reach the finals is somewhat surprising. A less talented Swedish side reached the…