FIFA World Cup 2022: The 5 global heavyweights who endured a Group Stage nightmare in Qatar

While the likes of seven-time Ballon d Or winner Lionel Messi might have enjoyed a real World Cup romp in Qatar this year, there have been some notable heavyweight collapses in the Middle East.

With European giants Spain shockingly crashing out of the World Cup s first winter tournament following an infamous penalties defeat against Morocco, La Roja joins what has been a blockbuster list of early departures.

Joining the likes of Germany, Belgium and Uruguay who have headed home without making a knockout stage appearance, there have also been some superstar players who really failed to make any kind of impact on the world stage.

On a list that includes some of Europe s most notable and influential stars, we have taken a glance at a handful of heavyweight names wh…