Euro 2024 Qualifying Highlights: Stars Fall Short of the World Cup

Georgia emerged as one of the surprise teams during Euro 2024, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia leading their remarkable journey to the Round of 16 through his mesmerizing runs and tireless work ethic. However, the Paris Saint-Germain winger will not showcase his talents on the world stage next summer.

Despite scoring twice in World Cup qualifying, including a goal in a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, Georgia finished a distant third behind Spain and Turkey in Group E, losing four out of their last five matches. A particularly devastating 4-1 defeat to Turkey marked a low point for the team, prompting head coach Willy Sagnol to reassess strategies to uplift a squad lacking players who can match Kvaratskhelia’s caliber.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one of the finest strikers of his generation, faces retirement without ever having played in a World Cup. Gabon’s latest qualification attempt proved unsuccessful, despite finishing second in their group and securing a spot in the CAF play-offs, where Aubameyang scored seven goals, including an impressive four-goal performance in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Gambia.

The former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star, now with Marseille, led the attack in Gabon’s semi-final match against Nigeria. Although Gabon fought valiantly, equalizing in the dying moments, they ultimately succumbed to Nigeria, losing 4-1, thereby prolonging their quest for a first World Cup appearance and diminishing their prospects following Aubameyang’s looming departure.

Bryan Mbeumo, originally representing France at the Under-21 level, switched allegiance to Cameroon in 2022, a decision that may weigh heavily on him after Cameroon failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, finishing behind Cape Verde. In the subsequent CAF play-off against DR Congo, Mbeumo played the full match but watched as his team suffered a 1-0 defeat, with a stoppage-time goal sealing their fate. His performance was marred by a missed opportunity and a dramatic exit from the pitch post-match.

Historically, Cameroon has participated in more World Cups than any other African nation, yet the current squad struggles to replicate past successes amid off-field turmoil. The future appears uncertain as Marc Brys is reportedly set to be dismissed from his managerial position.

Serbia, too, faced disappointment, failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014. The resignation of head coach Dragan Stojkovic followed a disappointing home defeat to Albania, and elimination was confirmed after a 2-0 loss to England. While England cruised through the group stage, Serbia’s Dusan Vlahovic had an underwhelming campaign, mustering only two goals and failing to perform against key opponents.

The Group F qualification was particularly dramatic, culminating in Portugal’s impressive 9-1 victory over Armenia, which secured them the top spot. Hungary, just seconds away from securing a playoff place, succumbed to Ireland’s Troy Parrott, who scored a last-minute goal, leaving Hungary’s captain Szoboszlai in tears despite his commendable contributions during the campaign. Hungary’s wait for a World Cup berth now extends to 44 years.

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the World Cup were dashed after a shocking defeat to DR Congo in the African play-offs. Despite being favorites after overcoming Gabon, Nigeria struggled without star striker Victor Osimhen, who had to exit the match early due to injury. The Super Eagles’ reliance on Osimhen proved detrimental as they fell short in the penalty shootout.

Alexis Sanchez, with a decorated career including stints at Barcelona and Arsenal, faces a similar fate. Chile finished bottom of the CONMEBOL table with just 11 points, a far cry from their previous World Cup appearances. Though Sanchez has not officially retired, the national team is entering a new era without its long-time star.

In contrast, Benjamin Sesko is experiencing a challenging start to his career at Manchester United and with Slovenia. The young forward’s performances in World Cup qualifiers yielded no goals or assists, and he later missed matches due to injury as Slovenia’s hopes were extinguished.

Finally, Keylor Navas, who returned from international retirement to captain Costa Rica in their qualifying efforts, faced a disappointing campaign. Despite conceding only six goals, the team struggled offensively, leading to a third-place finish in Group C and their absence from the finals for just the second time this century.