ITALY were stunned by Sweden on Monday night to miss out on their first World Cup in 60 years.
The Azzurri last missed out on the biggest tournament in international football in 1958… hosted by Sweden of all places.
Italy lost on aggregate to Sweden to miss out on their first World Cup in 60 years After losing the first-leg 1-0 in Stockholm, Italy were held 0-0 at home to spectacularly fail to book their place in Russia .
The result means Gianluigi Buffon has now pulled on the No1 shirt for Italy for the final time, truly marking the end of an era.
Now the Italians will not be getting on the plane for next summer’s tournament, only NINE teams remain as being ever-presents in World Cups since 1998.
Including the tournament that year in France – as well as Japan-South Korea, Germany, South Africa, Brazil and now Russia – just nine teams have made it to all.
Which nations have qualified for every World Cup since France 1998? EPA Of course you can now discount Italy, but from there, you’re on your own… we bet you can’t name all nine. (No cheating, now…)
Check out the full list of teams below – once you’ve got them all, or given up, that is…
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Brazil… of course the Brazilians have reached every World Cup since 1998 Reuters 1. BRAZIL
2. ARGENTINA
3. GERMANY
4. SPAIN
Germany also making the list is little surprise EPA 5. ENGLAND
6. FRANCE
7. MEXICO
8. JAPAN
9. SOUTH KOREA
Teams to qualify for every World Cup since France 1998
1. Brazil Argentina Germany Spain France England Mexico Japan South Korea
Spain have also reached all World Cups since 1998… but did you manage all nine? AFP - Getty
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