If you support Chile, Wales, Italy, Netherlands, or one of the other 179 national teams who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, you won't be able to enjoy the roller coaster of emotions that is football's most prestigious tournament. But that doesn't mean you have to sit around and mope, counting the days until the next one. You can shamelessly hop on a bandwagon, and run the risk of being labelled as a traitor by all by your friends.
For those wondering which bandwagon to hop aboard, here's a guide to some of the teams that would welcome your support at the 2018 World Cup:
Russia
Think of Russia as the host who will be upstaged by most of the guests at his own party.
It's hard to think of a host that generated such little enthusiasm ahead of the World Cup, although Qatar might give Russia a run for its money in four years' time. As the Confederations Cup demonstrated, Russia's squad lacks a spark. It's hard to envision a scenario where the team gets past the round of 16, and an unfavourable draw could even spell a group-stage exit.
Nobody wants to see the host get beat up at his own party, and your support would be mean a lot to a team that Russia's population is struggling to rally behind.
Brazil
Under Tite, Brazil went unbeaten in 2018 World Cup qualifying and became the first team in South America to book a flight to Russia. The Selecao is among the favourites to win the tournament, and you'll be in for a colourful ride by supporting the five-time champion.
While Neymar can border on selfish at times, the Brazilian phenom's talent is capable of adding a sixth star to the yellow shirt. Factor in the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho, Dani Alves, Marcelo, and Marquinhos, and it's hard to think of a national team that boasts such a collection of individual talent.
Whether Tite can turn the team into a world champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: by supporting Brazil, you won't be bored.
Mexico
If there's one thing that Mexico's supporters learned at the 2014 World Cup, it was: no era penal. The three words echo across the Latin American country's streets after a dive by Arjen Robben produced a heartbreaking finale for El Tri, and supporters will be hoping for some karma in Russia.
Mexico is at a good point. El Tri topped The Hex in qualifying, and its squad features a balance of experience and youth. Hirving Lozano and Edson Alvarez are just two examples of youngsters who can light up the 2018 World Cup.
Feeling lucky? Support Mexico.
Germany
Germany, the reigning champion, should be viewed as the favourite to win the 2018 World Cup after going unbeaten in qualification. Die Mannschaft won all 10 of its games in remorseless fashion, taking out its Euro 2016 frustrations.
The Confederations Cup only underlined Germany's claim as the best team on the planet, and it's clear that German football is more than the sum of its parts. Nobody should be surprised if the crown is defended.
Glory hunters, this is your team.
England
If you're an underachiever with a perverse love of heartbreak, then England is perfect for you.
Gareth Southgate is preaching fearlessness as England prepares for the 2018 World Cup, but the manager knows better than most that it always ends the same way for the Three Lions. He was an unused substitute in 2002 when David Seaman misread a free-kick by Ronaldinho that brought a bizarre-but-expected end to the team's run.
What will it be this time? A missed penalty kick? A disallowed goal? Defeat at a minnow's hands? It will only be a matter of time before England picks a poison, so be prepared.
Spain
Don't underestimate Spain. Only a few names remain from the generation that won the 2010 World Cup, but the next wave of footballers is ready to shine alongside the elders who are still kicking it. Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, and Isco will play alongside Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Iniesta in what can only be described as an enviable balance.
In supporting Spain, fans are supporting some of the most fluid football in the world, and the team with the best chance of dethroning Germany.
Egypt
A 'keeper who will be 45 years old, a long leave of absence, and an antagonist in political upheaval. What's not to love about Egypt?
If you're looking to support a team with a feel-good story, Egypt will offer one of the best narratives at the 2018 World Cup. Essam El-Hadary, who was born in 1973, will likely become to oldest footballer to ever play at the World Cup as the Pharaohs return to the tournament for the first time since 1990. The team was threatened by political turmoil that forced the cancellation of two seasons between 2011 and 2013, but is enjoying a revolution led by Mohamed Salah.
Support Egypt and you might end up becoming a lifelong fan.
Iceland
Iceland, where unity is valued over the individual. The team won over supporters at Euro 2016 with the Viking Clap and a historic victory over England in the Round of 16, and the 2018 World Cup will be its introduction to football fans outside Europe.
The smallest country to ever qualify for a World Cup with a population of approximately 335,000, Iceland will be intent on proving that Euro 2016 wasn't just a one-off, and that the team deserves to be lumped with Europe's best.
Why not clap your hands alongside Iceland's supporters?
Argentina
The pressure will be on Lionel Messi like never before, as the 2018 World Cup will likely mark the last chance for the planet's top footballer to enter the sport's pantheon.
If you believe Messi deserves the same legacy as Diego Maradona, then you should support Argentina.
Qualifying for the 2018 World Cup proved to be a nightmare for Argentina, and nearly ended in disaster. Messi's hat-trick in Ecuador saved La Albiceleste and pushed the team over the line, but legitimate concerns remain over its ability to compete in Russia. Jorge Sampaoli, among the boldest managers around, will try and lessen the dependence on Messi by injecting the team with an identity, but, in the end, there will likely be a direct correlation between the quality of the No. 10's performances and the length of Argentina's run.
Panama
Everybody loves the new kid on the block, making Panama, who will be playing at the World Cup for the first time, a team worth supporting.
Roman Torres scored the most famous goal in Panama's history on The Hex's final matchday, producing the winner in Los Canaleros' victory over Costa Rica that sent them to the 2018 World Cup. Central American teams are known for playing aggressively, and Panama is no exception.
If you want to support a newcomer who's ready to throw down, then Panama is the team for you.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)