Over the years, several countries have been handed unexpected World Cup opportunities after other qualified teams withdrew, were banned, or became unable to participate in the tournament.
Here are some of the most notable replacements in FIFA World Cup history:
1. France invited after Scotland and Turkey withdrew — 1950 World Cup
After Scotland and Turkey withdrew from the 1950 FIFA World Cup despite qualifying, FIFA invited France, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland to fill the vacant places. France initially accepted before later withdrawing as well.
2. Switzerland and Turkey advanced after qualification withdrawals — 1950 qualifiers
During qualification for the 1950 World Cup, several countries withdrew, including Austria and Belgium. Their exits allowed teams such as Switzerland and Turkey to progress without completing final qualification matches.
4. Chile, Bolivia, and Paraguay qualified after withdrawals
At the 1950 World Cup qualifiers, Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru withdrew from qualification. Their withdrawal allowed several South American countries, including Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay, to qualify automatically..
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