With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers well underway, the path to the expanded 48-team tournament has already produced its share of early surprises.
While some of the world's footballing giants have started strongly, others find themselves in an unexpectedly difficult position.
For European teams, the qualification format is straightforward but unforgiving: the 12 group winners qualify automatically, while the 12 runners-up, along with four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners, enter a complex play-off system.
This means that for a top team, failing to win their group can lead to a nerve-wracking single-elimination tournament where a single off-day can end their World Cup dream.
Here are three major teams that could be at risk of a shock failure to qualify for the World Cup.
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Germany
Despite being a traditional powerhouse in international football, Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign has hit an early snag.
A shocking 2-0 defeat to Slovakia has left them in third place in their group, level on points with second-placed Northern Ireland.
With only the group winner guaranteed a direct place at the finals, Germany's path is now significantly more complicated.
Sweden
Sweden's qualification hopes have taken a significant hit after a disappointing start in Group B.
They currently sit third in their group, behind both Switzerland and Kosovo.
With only one point from their opening two matches (a 2-2 draw with Slovenia and a 2-0 loss to Kosovo), Sweden will have a tough task ahead. The team's recent struggles have put them in a precarious position.
Italy
After their Euro 2024 disappointment and with a new manager at the helm, Italy's World Cup qualifying campaign has been far from straightforward.
The Azzurri are currently second in their group, three points behind Norway.
While a recent 5-0 win against Estonia was encouraging, they were then defeated by Israel, a result that puts them in a tense position.
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