Your team missed the World Cup? Here's who you should cheer for

The path to Russia was unforgiving.

The immense challenge teams face to qualify for the World Cup was highlighted by the spectacular failures of several tournament regulars.

Although a majority of the favourites qualified with ease, the disappointment stemming from a few disastrous campaigns will haunt nations across three continents well beyond the World Cup.

While the prospect of a World Cup without a representative will be foreign for some, there are countless displaced football supporters who don't let the misery of watching from the sidelines ruin the enjoyment of the greatest spectacle in sports.

Here's a breakdown of the most notable teams to miss out on the World Cup and the nations their respective supporters should flock to now:

United States

The healing process has barely started for a United States team that tarnished years of progress on the international stage with one catastrophic night in Trinidad and Tobago.

The American's failure was met with outrage by a fan base that's celebrated seven straight appearances at the World Cup. Although the passion for soccer in the U.S. is undeniable, the country's diversity means a unique collection of fans won't have any trouble finding another team to follow.

Argentina and Portugal may attract the most casual supporters who want to catch Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in action, while others could be drawn to perennial favourites like Brazil and Spain. But those looking for an underdog may grow attached to Iceland following the team's unlikely run at Euro 2016.

Italy

Italy's absence will be felt beyond the country's borders.

Football fans worldwide can't watch one of the World Cup's most successful teams because a poorly managed qualifying campaign ended in tears once Sweden's unlikely triumph eliminated the four-time world champion.

There was some initial shock when Italy missed out. But the Italians have been on a downward spiral since winning the 2006 World Cup, and fans likely expected it would end in flames.

Germany might be an attractive option for the football-crazed nation with famously high expectations. There's also the added bonus of Sweden and old World Cup foes South Korea possibly suffering heavy defeats against the star-studded defending World Cup champion.

Netherlands

The once famed Dutch football program is in tatters just eight years after reaching the World Cup final.

The high standard set by the Netherlands during dominant spells over four decades has been impossible to maintain for a new generation of players, and fans are still waiting for a glimmer of hope.

It's possible Dutch followers will back teams with a legitimate shot at winning the World Cup for the first time, such as Belgium, Portugal, or Colombia. As for Germany, Argentina, and Spain, the heartbreak of the Netherlands' three losses in the World Cup final are soothed on the rare occasion when one of those nations stumble.

Chile

There was hardly a break between Chile's promising performance in the 2014 World Cup and when the next round of qualifiers commenced.

The joy of continental success faded quickly when the impact of Chile's hectic schedule was largely to blame for the team's failure to book a ticket to Russia.

Back-to-back eliminations in the round of 16 against Brazil all but rules out any chance of getting support from Chile, where fans are likely to cheer for one of South America's other representatives - minus Argentina - looking to win the World Cup for the first time.

*Bonus* Scotland

Supporting England's opponents is a tradition that's grown during the 20 years since Scotland appeared at an international tournament. And it will likely be no different this time around in the wake of a qualifying campaign that saw the two countries reignite their dormant rivalry.

England topped the group while Scotland, in typical heartbreaking fashion, came up short in the final match. Afterwards, Scotland supporters quickly discovered their new favourite teams - Panama, Tunisia, and Belgium.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)