From Pulisic to Buffon, the best XI who failed to qualify for Russia 2018

3 of 4

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 02: Joshua Kimmich of Germany and Arturo Vidal of Chile argue during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Final between Chile and Germany at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 2, 2017 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /

Arturo Vidal (Chile)

Alaba’s Bayern teammate Arturo Vidal is another player we won’t see in Russia. The star midfielder has been part of a revolution that saw Chile win the 2015 Copa America at home, the 2016 Copa America Centenario the following year and finish runners-up to Germany at last summer’s Confederations Cup.

All that success meant nothing as Chile failed to reach the World Cup following a hotly-contested qualifying tournament that almost saw Argentina come up short. A box-to-box midfielder, Vidal combines speed and accurate passing to make him one of the most lethal attacking players in the world. He’s a joy to watch and his abilities helped Chile become one of the most successful and entertaining sides to come out of South America in recent years.

Nicknamed “The Warrior,” Vidal is part of nearly every play and averages well over 100 touches per game. It’s that skill, along with his ability to make things happen in the attacking third, that makes it a shame we won’t be seeing Chile at the World Cup.

COUVA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – OCTOBER 10: Christian Pulisic (C) of the United States mens national team scores a goal as Kaven George of Trinidad and Tobago attempts to block the shot during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Trinidad and Tobago at the Ato Boldon Stadium on October 10, 2017 in Couva, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images) /

Christian Pulisic (USA)

He’s the future of American soccer, but we’ll have to wait at least another four years before we can see him play at a World Cup. That’s the fate of midfielder Christian Pulisic after the United States failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

While he has been hailed as the savior of this embattled U.S. team, the 19-year-old starlet has many years ahead of him. Pulisic has been part of the Borussia Dortmund youth system since age 16, when he left his home in Hershey, Pennsylvania. What he found in Germany is an opportunity to evolve into what many observers believe can be the best player America has ever produced.

Pulisic showed glimpses of greatness during the U.S.’s ill-fated qualifying run. His ability to score, create opportunities and find space for himself and teammates shows a maturity level well beyond his years. He is the type of player who would have benefited greatly from having played at a World Cup. Instead, Pulisic will be home watching the world’s best players on TV knowing full well he deserved to be playing against them.

Marek Hamsik of Slovakiaduring the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier European Group F match between England and Slovakia at Wembley Stadium on September 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Marek Hamsik (Slovakia)

The Napoli captain may be one of the most underrated players in Europe. Marek Hamisk’s leadership, creativity and skill indeed make him one of the continent’s best players and another star we won’t see in Russia.

The 30-year-old Hamsik has played with Napoli since 2007. He now captains the Serie A side and has become a fan favorite in the process. What still eludes him is an Italian league title, something the team hopes to win this spring under the management of Maurizio Sarri.

What Hamsik failed to do was rally his nation to a World Cup berth despite his 103 caps and 21 goals. Slovakia finished second in their group, tied with Scotland, in Group F behind England, but failed to make the UEFA playoff round after not amassing enough points among the best second-place finishers. Hamsik will try to win the Italian league title as a consolation prize after missing out on the biggest sporting event on the planet.

Home/World Cup