5 leading soccer-playing countries that won’t be at Russia 2018 World Cup

shakirudeen taiwo

October 12, 2017 12:13 PM

There are two major African teams on the list.

As the qualifiers to the Russia 2018 World Cup is rounding up, it is becoming clear as regards which team would be at the international soccer tournament.

Every edition of the tournament has its surprising part, and what 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup would give the soccer fans is the presence of many underdogs teams that would be debuting in the competition while some big football nations would not be there.

Here are five big football playing countries that won’t feature at the Russia 2018 tournament.

1. Netherlands (Holland)

The Netherland is one of the Europe soccer countries and had had impressive run at the global soccer tournament since 1934.

The Oranje – nickname of the national football team- failed to beat Sweden with a goal margin of seven needed to secure their presence in Moscow.

This is the second successive World Cup the Netherlands will not be playing in.

2. The United States of America

The United States failure to qualify for the 2018 world cup end the country’s 24-year streak at the tournament.

The team's loss to Mexico, Costa Rica and the little known Trinidad and Tobago sealed the USA’s chanced of participating in Russia 2018.

"Clearly we are very disappointed," said USA team manager Bruce Arena said about the team not qualifying.

"It's a blemish for us. We should not be staying at home for this World Cup and I take responsibility.”

3. Cameroon

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is one of the leading football team in Africa whose place at any global soccer tournament seems not negotiable.

With the team drawing in the same qualifiers group with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the ticket was predicted to be either for the Super Eagles or the Indomitable Lions.

Following Nigeria's home win over Zambia in Uyo, Cameroon will miss the tournament for the first time since 1998.

4. Ghana

Since the Black Stars of Ghana has its debut in Germany 2006, Ghana has always created a spot for its flag to be flown at the tournament.

With a good World Cup outing, it is rather sad that the Black stars won’t be featuring in Russia 2018 as the team had a hard time dislodging the Pharaohs of Egypt.

It is was the Pharaohs that secured the ticket of the group, thus ending Ghana’s dream of playing in the former Soviet Union.