With eight games played in CONCACAF qualification, El Tri are not where you'd expect. They might not make the group stage of 2022's edition. Mexico have made the Round of 16 at every single World Cup since 1994. Still, defeat to Ukraine in Glasgow over the summer suggests that there are no easy games for Zlatan and co. 12 goals in eight games points to a lack of creativity - and though they made the World Cup quarter-finals in 2018, they might have their work cut out to even get there this time.Īs a seeded side, Sweden have a relatively easier draw on paper. The Swedes may have held Spain magnificently at Euro 2020 but two losses to them in qualifying sent them into second spot in their World Cup group. Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be holding out for his final hurrah - but it's not looking good. Sweden are tricky to break down, resolute and one of the better European nations threatened with extinction from the World Cup qualifying process already. A 0-0 draw in Ireland was followed by Serbia beating the 2016 European champions to an automatic spot, in what was essentially a match to decide the winner.Īleksandar Mitrovic is in magnetic form right now and couldn't be stopped by a whole team - that's usually Ronaldo's role. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 37 by the next World Cup - but he might be visiting Qatar as a spectator.Īgain, Portugal haven't been awful in qualifying but the last week has really sucker-punched Os Navegadores.