I nominate Poland Ukraine Paraguay Czech Republic Turkey Egypt Saudi Arabia Any more countries feel free to list
For European teams, the draw factors in quite a bit, so I'd wait for that before I make concusions on them.
I think one of Senegal Mali Burkina Faso have a pretty good shot. I could also see a different Asian side such as Uzbekistan Jordan Bahrain Saudi Arabia I definitely think Paraguay will make it, probably over either Ecuador or Uruguay (or both since CONMEBOL no longer has that extra host spot). Europe always has different sides make it. Really could be almost anyone. Serbia Sweden Denmark Norway Austria Romania Bulgaria etc.
pulling for panama, it was heart breaking for them to miss out the way they did. they just need to be a teensy weensy bit better next cycle
Tejada and Perez are getting up there in age for Panama, and they are nothing on attack without them. This was their cycle, and they didn't get it done. I don't think they'll be as strong next cycle. El Salvador looks to be on the rise though.
Panama will probably need to be a lot better. Gotta think Mexico won't be that bad again and Panama were still quite far behind Honduras and Costa Rica. Plus CONCACAF playoff team might get a tougher draw than New Zealand next time around. I predict no new teams from CONCACAF in 2018. Globally, I'll go with: Egypt Venezuela Uzbekistan Ukraine Sweden Turkey
Would be interesting to see Uzbekistan, as former members of the soviet union, to qualify for russia as their first world cup. It would make them the third former soviet territory to qualify for the world cup after Ukraine and Russia. and the first to do it from asia
And Panama did? Their players were begging for the USA to take it easy on them, they couldn't hold on for one more minute and blew a 2-1 lead at home when their playoff ticket was on the line, and they earned less points than Mexico in the end and lost to them at Azteca the game before.
I think the expansion of the Euro to 24 teams will see some new teams in 2018. Of course, the qualifying draw matters - but I've been impressed with Iceland's development.
I don't think so. CONMEBOL qualification was much easier this time because of Brazil's automatic qualification. I can't see Venezuela qualifying over Chile, Colombia, Brazil or Argentina.
True, good point. I only remembered that they came close this time but forgot the part about CONMEBOL probably losing one spot for 2018. That said, FIFA should consider giving CONMEBOL 5 or 5.5 spots for 2018. The 5th-best CONMEBOL team is still soooo much stronger than the NT's on the cusp of qualifying in other regions.
They seem strong in Youth Tournaments but it hasn't continue on to Senior level. They only missed out on qualifying for this WC on Goal Difference to South Korea and finished 1 point behind Group winners Iran but they were in the weaker Group in Asia too.
lulwhat? Weaker group? HAHA. You wouldn't have qualified to WC and embarrass asia if the uzbeks were in group B. They're a solid side, beat both Iran and Japan in the qualifiers. They just serial chokers though.
Yeah haha I had to laugh at that too... however, what did make that group stronger was Uzbekistan being the stronger 3rd seed team....
Not only that. But Lebanon was a very dynamic side at home and essentially giant killers so easily comparable with Jordan, and Qatar is basically a south american mercenary side, also not an easy team to beat. The Uzbeks have the experience, and the talent to go far. But they don't have that mental maturity to believe in themselves, and simply choke when it matters the most.
It really comes down to the draw, and is really impossible to say. BUT my wishful thinking says who I'd like to possibly see......... Scotland (I think it would be cool ) New Zealand Ireland Sweden Iceland Ukraine China Poland Turkey
The 3rd placed team in Group B (Jordan) beat Uzbeks in a playoff didn't they And Iran topped Group A and the world has seen against Nigeria that Iran has nothing worth talking about (except annoying trolls like yourself). Now toddle along, don't want you to be late for the next bus you park in front of someones goal.