FIFA doesn't really care which teams qualify.

If you look at each qualification groups, then you will see some big names or highly ranked teams (based on the latest FIFA Rankings) either didn't qualify or must participate in some playoff round in order to qualify. Argentina, currently ranked #4, had to beat Ecuador tonight in order to qualify for the World Cup.

Switzerland #7 - must win UEFA Playoff Round to qualify
Chile #9 - didn't qualify
Peru #12 - must beat NZ in the Intercontinental Playoff Round
Wales #13 - didn't qualify
Italy #17 - must win UEFA Playoff Round to qualify
Croatia #18 - must win UEFA Playoff Round to qualify
Slovakia #19 - didn't qualify
Sweden #23 - must win UEFA Playoff Round to qualify
Ukraine #24 - didn't qualify
Denmark #26 - must win UEFA Playoff Round to qualify
Turkey #27 - didn't qualify
USA #28 - didn't qualify

Some well known teams ranked below the US that didn't qualify include: The Netherlands, Bulgaria, Cameroon, and Ghana. Also, keep in mind that UEFA Playoff Round takes the top 8 (of 9) second place teams from each group and divides them up into 2 groups of 4 based on current FIFA rankings with the 4 highest ranked teams placed in 1 pot. Then 1 name is drawn from each pot to determine pairings for the 2-legged matches for the 4 remaining spots. Based on the current FIFA rankings, then 2 pots could look like this:

Pot A
Switzerland #7
Italy #17
Croatia #18
Northern Ireland #20

Pot B
Sweden #23
Denmark #26
Rep. of Ireland #34
Greece #47

Since it is all in the luck of the draw, Switzerland could end up paired with Sweden. While Northern Ireland could end up paired with Greece. It is possible there may be at least 1 more big name left out the World Cup from UEFA.

(In response to this post by `lag)

Posted: 10/11/2017 at 12:45AM

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If you think the Mexico and Costa Rica results weren't intentional, I have -- CPRVHokie 10/10/2017 10:12PM

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Yep. Water over the bridge. ** -- 48zip 10/11/2017 09:33AM

I don't legally own any of it ** -- CPRVHokie 10/11/2017 08:02AM

I don't speak futbol...can someone explain this post to me? -- bulab 10/11/2017 01:34AM

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Of course they were... and when you are... -- No1Hokie 10/10/2017 11:11PM

Of course they were... -- Gator Hokie 10/10/2017 10:27PM

I bet FIFA is real interested in getting the US into the WC... -- `lag 10/10/2017 10:26PM

FIFA doesn't really care which teams qualify. -- VTHokie2000 10/11/2017 12:45AM

CONMEBOL was ROUGH this year. Too many good teams -- hoosnowahokie 10/11/2017 09:31AM

I do agree with you about CONMEBOL and UEFA. -- VTHokie2000 10/11/2017 10:54AM

I was thinking in terms of market share, not who they like -- `lag 10/11/2017 07:24AM

I am not sure FIFA will see that much of a loss in revenue -- VTHokie2000 10/11/2017 11:21AM

OK, sounds like rules is rules. ** -- `lag 10/11/2017 11:28AM

Most likely since FIFA is dealing with a global audience -- VTHokie2000 10/11/2017 11:34AM

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Yeah, that will fix it ** -- CPRVHokie 10/10/2017 10:25PM

Is that how we make America great in soccer? Again? ** -- Hokie CPA 10/11/2017 08:15AM

Got no problem with it. We went 0-3-1 against those two teams. -- hokieZ71 10/10/2017 10:14PM

Completely agree. They got their piece of flesh. Can't wait -- CPRVHokie 10/10/2017 10:18PM

FIFA doesn't really care which teams qualify.

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