One year until Russia 2018, here are three some scenarios that could shock the Football World

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The countdown to the World Cup has begun. There are less than 365 days until the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The greatest celebration in global sport is quickly approaching and the world is anticipating the 21st edition of the World Cup.

Before the first kick is taken in Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 14, 2018, the road to Russia continues its course in qualifying.

The long, winding road began in March of 2015 and has brought forth three of the 32 finalists that will embark to Russia for the greatest quest of the football world.

Hosts Russia, South American juggernauts Brazil and strong Asian side Iran have qualified thus far. Russia automatically qualified due to their hosting of the tournament.

As the world approaches the World Cup next year, what are some scenarios we could see ahead?

Who are the faces we could see shine in Russia? Who are the strong nations we could see absent from the tournament?

The Viking Chant could replace the Crescent Stars

The Icelandic national team were the underdogs at the 2016 Euros in France. However, stunning victories against Austria and England catapulted Iceland onto the world stage in grand fashion.

Although they were stomped out by France after their shocking win against England, Iceland remains a force to be reckoned with.

Iceland are second in their group, only behind Croatia by goal difference.

Iceland are also performing better than two nations that have reached the World Cup before, 2006 qualifiers Ukraine and 2002 semifinalists Turkey.

Although Iceland have never reached the grand stage in football, 2018 may be their first major opportunity.

Turkey may not be able to catch up to Iceland now that their talisman Arda Turan of Barcelona has retired from international football.

Although Iceland isn't the youngest or most star-studded side in their group, their strong midfield including captain Aron Gunnarsson and Swansea City player Gylfi Sigurdsson may give the team enough to qualify for the World Cup either by winning their group or earning their ticket in the second-place playoff matches.

Also, there would be another chance to witness the famous Viking Chant of the Icelandic fans as they march into Russia as they did famously in France last year.

Hopefully this time there will be even more than the 10 percent of Iceland's population that gathered in France to watch their national side play.

Can Argentina get it together to qualify for the World Cup?

2014 World Cup finalists Argentina have found themselves in the bubble, being in fifth place in CONMEBOL qualifying.

Argentina have suffered with inconsistent results in qualifying since 2016.

After beating Uruguay in an unconvincing 1-0 victory in September, La Albiceleste struggled through a four-game winless streak, including a draw to minnows Venezuela and a stunning loss to Paraguay on home soil.

Argentina have two rather easy matches out of their four remaining qualifiers, home fixtures against Venezuela and Peru.

The two-time World Cup champions first face fellow two-time champs Uruguay on the road on August 31st.

Depending on the results on their fixtures against Venezuela and Peru, Argentina may face judgment day against Ecuador who are currently just two points behind Argentina.

Although Ecuador have stronger opponents to finish their qualifiers, including leaders Brazil, if Argentina struggle to find form fast, the Albiceleste may be forced to settle for a playoff decider or perhaps, by odd chance, miss out on the 2018 World Cup.

Miracle on Pitch: Will the USA qualify and draw in Russia's group?

For Americans, having the 2018 World Cup hosted in Russia brings a heap of political drama.

The current political climate in America and the image of Russia brings a wide range of controversy.

On the football pitch, there may be more than bragging rights and a place in the round of 16 up for grabs.

The best chance for these two rivaling nations to face off against one another would be in the group stage.

After the USA regained its composure, earning four points out of six in their last two qualifying matches, it seems likely both nations will be in the tournament.

It will then be at the mercy of the World Cup draw on December 1 in Moscow.

Since Russia will automatically be drawn first, the USA would have to be drawn within the first three teams to be in Russia's group.

There would be roughly a 10 percent chance this would happen.

This drama could reach a fever pitch on the pitch, as the world could witness a politically driven rivalry unfold in the most-viewed event in the world.