Africa's WC Absentee XI

With Africa's representation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia now confirmed, here is a starting XI made up of stars whose teams did not qualify for the prestigious showpiece.

Click through the gallery above to see which Africans have made ESPN's World Cup Absentee XI.

This team is made up of players who do not represent Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, who all booked their plane ticket to Russia next year.

In goals, ESPN selected Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper Denis Onyango. The Uganda captain was the star performer for his team, but sadly could not help them overcome Egypt and Ghana in their group.

The defence is made up of two Ivory Coast, one Cameroon and one Algerian star – Ivorian right back Serge Aurier and centre back Eric Bailly, Cameroonian Joel Matip and the Desert Foxes' Faouzi Ghoulam will also not be at next year's showpiece.

The midfield has three men in it, namely Jean Michael Seri and Franck Kessie of the Ivory Coast, along with Guinea superstar Naby Keita.

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Leading the line for this Africa's WC Absentee XI is the Algerian duo of Riyad Mahrez and Yacine Brahimi, along with Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Are you surprised by the number of high-profile Africans who will be missing football's biggest showpiece next year? Have your say in the comments section below.