For only the second time in history, the Socceroos have made the World Cup without the need for a playoff. It mightn't have been pretty, but Tony Popovic and Co. deserve credit for that.

With slow ticket sales and a lack of visible promotion in some host cities, it remains to be seen how these factors will impact the Club World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has promised "the world will be welcomed," but some observers believe the U.S. isn't rolling out the red carpet in the current climate.