A number of heavyweights in international football will not be on the plane to Russia next summer, and reports say that USA, one of those nations who failed to qualify, are exploring the possibility of staging a special tournament for those that didn't make the final 32.
Outlets such as USA Today and Goal say that the United States soccer federation have confirmed they are looking into the idea of a summer tournament taking place, which would see the most high-profile teams not in Russia come face to face.
USA had been permanent fixtures in the showpiece which happens every four years in recent times, but were pipped to their spot this year by Panama following a shock 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago.
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But as we know, they aren't the only big guns to be missing out. Italy, Netherlands and Chile have all underperformed big-time, while Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Ghana are also among the teams not taking part.
Image: PA
Yet, instead of sitting at home drowning their sorrows, whilst watching other national teams and players strut their stuff on the big stage, they could be kept busy by playing in a mini-tournament.
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It's said that discussions are only in the preliminary stage, so it's not a dead certain at this point. One would think that FIFA would likely not be best pleased with other international games taking place when their precious World Cup is going on.
Plus, there would definitely be interest from TV stations and companies in showing the games - particularly if China and India, two of the world's biggest countries - and two nations with a massive demand for football, are involved.
Here's how people have been reacting:
Topics: Chile, Football, World Cup 2018, Netherlands, World Cup, USA, Italy
