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The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup is just four days away and expectations are high as fans get set to witness top class football from their Favourite stars.
However, ahead of the commencement of the World Cup, Completesports.com takes a look at 15 top stars who will not be in Qatar after their countries failed to qualify.
Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
Leonardo Bonucci was instrumental in Italy’s European Championship triumph, forming a strong partnership with now retired Georgio Chiellini.
But Bonucci could not inspire Italy to qualify for this year’s World Cup following a shock loss to North Macedonia in the European play-off semi-final.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
After leading his country to the 2018 edition in Russia, Mohamed Salah could not replicate the feat in the playoff against Senegal.
A penalty shootout loss to AFCON champions Senegal denied Salah and Egypt a fourth World Cup appearance.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
The Super Eagles striker is currently having a memorable campaign with Napoli as he leads the top scorers chart with nine goals.
Unfortunately, Osimhen will not be in Qatar after he and his Super Eagles teammates fell to Ghana in the play-offs.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
The Norwegian has been a revelation for Premier League champions Manchester City, as he is ahead in the race for the golden boot with 18 goals.
However, Haaland will be absent in Qatar as he failed to inspire Norway to pick an automatic ticket and a play-off spot from their qualifying group, as they ended in third position behind group winners Netherlands and runners-up Turkey.
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez first made his World Cup appearance at the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Unfortunately, he won’t be in Qatar this year after Algeria failed to qualify. Despite winning 1-0 in the first leg of the African playoff against Cameroon, Algeria were eliminated after losing 2-1 in the second leg after extra-time.
Marco Verratti (Italy)
Despite being one of the world’s most prominent midfielders, Verratti has only participated at one World Cup: the 2014 edition.
Italy missed out in 2018 and they won’t be in Qatar either following their shock 2-1 home defeat minnows to North Macedonia in the UEFA playoffs.
David Alaba (Austria)
The former Bayern Munich defender has never featured at the FIFA senior World Cup with Austria.
However, Alaba and his Austria game close to qualifying but auffered a 2-1 defeat to a Gareth Bale-inspired Wales in the playoffs to end their hopes.
Wilfried Zaha (Côte d’Ivoire)
Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha will not be at the World Cup in 2022, after Côte d’Ivoire once again failed to make it to the playoffs.
The Ivorians made their debut at the 2006 edition and went on to appear at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper helped his country overcome the heartache of missing the 2018 World Cup by helping them to the European Championship title, making the crucial save during penalties to clinch the title.
But once again, Donnarumma will miss the World Cup after Italy fell in the European playoffs.
Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Edin Dzeko helped his country qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 2014 but since then have failed to inspire them to be at the last two tournaments.
Bosnia’s World Cup qualification chances were hampered by a tough group-stage draw alongside France and Ukraine, and their skipper, record goal scorer and top appearance maker could call time on his international career before Euro 2024.
Martin Odegaard (Norway)
Odegaard has established himself as a key player in Arsenal side after making a permanent switch to North London at the start of 2021/22.
But despite assuming the role of Norway captain in 2021, he was unable to inspire Stale Solbakken’s side, and he will be watching the World Cup at home, alongside Haaland.
Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast)
Midfielder Franck Kessie another Côte d’Ivoire star has had a big few months, after he joined Barcelona following the expiry of his contract with AC Milan.
However, regardless of his club move, he will not be at the World Cup after following his country’s inability to progress to the playoff round.
Luis Diaz (Colombia)
After making it past the group stages in the last two tournaments, Colombia and Luis Diaz will not be travelling to Qatar.
Colombia finished sixth in CONMEBOL’s qualification tournament. They missed out on fifth place, and the intercontinental qualifying playoff against UAE or Australia, by just one point.
Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
The former Arsenal man was instrumental in helping Chile qualify for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Since then, Sanchez has not been able to inspire his country to make it to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Jorginho (Italy)
The Brazilian-born Italian midfielder was one of the key performers for the Azzuris when they won the European Championship.
But Jorginho failed to help Italy qualify for Qatar World Cup, meaning they have now missed back-to-back tournaments.
