Combined XI: The Best Players Still Awaiting Confirmation of a 2018 World Cup Place

So that's it. Qualifying has finished and we now know who will definitely be heading to Russia next year to compete for International football's biggest prize. A mixture of heartbreak, jubilation and down-right ludicrousness settled the fate of most teams (other than England), but there are still some teams who have a final hurdle to overcome. 

Eight sides have been confirmed as having qualified for the play-offs - a tense and often controversial battle to get through to the finals. Both Irish sides made it, alongside Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Croatia, Sweden and Greece. Much was made of the potential absence of Lionel Messi - before his hattrick sent Argentina through - but who are the best players whose fate is yet to be sealed?

Here's a look at the best XI of players who will feature in the play-offs...

1. GK: Gianluigi Buffon - Italy

This one is a no brainer. Italy's shot stopper will be hoping to feature in his last international competition, although he and his national team will have to overcome one of Sweden, Greece or either Irish team. Italy finished runners up to Spain in Group G, claiming 23 points from 10 games. 

Buffon, a previous World Cup winner in 2002, has stated that he will retire from international football following the finals in Russia should his side progress. The 39-year-old has been a fantastic servant to both club and country, so it would be a shame for him to miss out next year. 

2. RB: Stephan Lichtsteiner - Switzerland

Another Juventus man to make this XI is Switzerland's Stephan Lichsteiner. The 33-year-old, who has been capped 93 times for his country, is likely to also be making his last World Cup appearance should his country get through. Switzerland are seeded thanks to their FIFA ranking, meaning they will avoid facing Italy, Croatia or Denmark. 

The Swiss enjoyed a positive campaign, winning nine of their 10 games. However, a 2-0 defeat to group winners Portugal in the last game saw Cristiano Ronaldo's side progress automatically on goal difference. The Switzerland captain will be hoping his team's good form in the qualifiers will aid their progress through the play-offs. 

3. CB: Giorgio Chiellini - Italy

Giorgio Chiellini makes it a trio of Juventus players to be selected in this XI, showing the strength of their regularly praised defence. Had Italy featured in a group without Spain, they arguably would've had a better chance to progress automatically. However, they're stuck in the play-offs, although they should be strong enough to get through.

The 33-year-old is also likely to be featuring at his final World Cup should his side make it, meaning he will have extra motivation to get through the play-offs.  

4. CB: Leonardo Bonucci - Italy

Chiellini's former centre-back partner at Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci, is another Italian centre-back who should be playing at the World Cup. The 30-year-old made the switch from Juventus to Milan in the summer, parting ways with the three aforementioned players to start a new challenge. 

Thus far, his first season for the Rossoneri has been under-par considering the amount of money his side have spent. However, Bonucci and Italy will be favourites to progress from the play-offs. 

5. LB: Ricardo Rodriguez - Switzerland

Another new Milan recruit, Ricardo Rodriguez, will be a pivotal member of the Swiss side going into the play-offs. The highly sought after full-back eventually moved on from Wolfsburg in the summer to join a resurgent Milan side. However, much like Bonucci, his start in Italy has been slightly anticlimactic. 

Rodriguez featured in all of Switzerland's qualifying games, and has been an ever-present since his debut back in 2011. His contribution to the national team has been solid and at just 25-years-old, he still has much more to give. 

6. RM: Lorenzo Insigne - Italy

Napoli are currently unbeaten in Serie A, winning all of their opening seven games. Their attacking quartet of Marek Hamsik, Jose Callejon, Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne is arguably one of the best in the world. 

Insigne has been the key to the door for his club side already this year, registering four assists. His link up play and understanding with Mertens is crucial to Maurizio Sarri's side's success. However, for the national side, Insigne has been less productive. The Azzurri will need two big performances from their little magician to help them progress. 

7. CM: Luka Modric - Croatia

Surely the best central midfielder has to be at the World Cup next year. Luka Modric has gone from strength-to-strength during his time in Madrid, with many regarding him as the world's best in a central role.The 32-year-old, who has featured over 100 times for his national side, has been a key man for Croatia since his debut in 2006. 

His goal against Ukraine sealed a 2-0 victory, with his second half performance proving pivotal to Croatia's success. Finishing behind Iceland may be seen as a disappointment for many Croatia fans, but they will be confident of progressing through the play-offs. 

8. CM: Christian Eriksen - Denmark

Denmark finished second behind Poland in Group E, with their biggest issue in qualifying arguably their attack. The Dane's conceded the fewest goals in the group (8), however group winners Poland notched eight more goals than them, proving the difference. 

Eriksen's ability to provide assists is shown on a regular basis at Tottenham, as he has Harry Kane to find up top. However, the Dane's lack the same type of fire power, leaving the 25-year-old frustrated at times. With the Dane's being seeded, Eriksen will be hoping his side can find their shooting boots to help them get through to Russia next year. 

9. LM: Emil Forsberg - Sweden

If you haven't heard of Emil Forsberg, get yourself on the old Youtube and check out his amazing crossing and dribbling abilities. The Swede was a key man for his club, RB Leipzig, in their push for the Bundesliga title last year, registering 19 assists in 30 games. 

The threat he poses out wide is phenomenal and the impact he has had for both club and country has seen him take home Swedish player of the year twice in the past three years. Forsberg will be hoping to play in his first World Cup, should his side progress through the play-offs. 

10. ST: Andrea Belotti - Italy

The final Italian to make this list is highly rated youngster Andrea Belotti. The 23-year-old announced himself on the scene the year before last with a number of impressive performances for Torino, and he hasn't looked back. Unfortunately, the forward picked up an injury at the start of October - however he is likely to be back in time for the first-leg of the play-offs.

Belotti doesn't seem phased by interested from a number of big European clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United. Now it's time for the young Italian to showcase his skills on an international stage, helping Italy to claim a place in Russia next year. 

11. ST: Mario Mandzukic - Croatia

Mario Mandzukic completes the list of Juventus players looking for a place at the World Cup, as he hopes to fire Croatia through the play-offs. The 31-year-old has enjoyed his time in Turin, reaching the Champions League final and bringing home two Serie A titles. 

His ability to produce moments of magic on the big stage are out of question, as the Croat scored a stunning overhead kick against Real Madrid to level the scores in last season's Champions League final. Mandzukic must now produce for his national side to help them get through to international football's biggest stage.