Best XI gamers who’ll miss World Cup 2026 together with 675-goal striker and Man Utd star
The World Cup 2026 lineup is confirmed with 48 teams competing in North America but some notable players will be missing
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is one many notable World Cup 2026 absentees(Image: Getty)
We now know the 48 teams set to compete at World Cup 2026. But some high-profile players will be absent from the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The line-up for the World Cup has been finalised following the nail-biting conclusion of the European and intercontinental playoffs. Iraq and DR Congo were the last two nations to secure their places, with Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina rounding off the roster.
However, the jubilation of these countries is matched by the disappointment of others, with some big names seeing their dreams of competing dashed. The most notable absentee is undoubtedly Italy, who will now miss their third consecutive tournament.
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Here we take a look at the most significant players who won’t feature at the World Cup due to their country failing to qualify, including a legendary striker and one of the Premier League’s top midfielders, as we name the Best XI who won’t be jetting off in search of glory this summer.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Riccardo Calafiori, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella
Italy’s crushing loss to Bosnia on Tuesday represented a devastating blow for the national side. The four-time world champions haven’t reached a World Cup since 2014.
This appears unthinkable when their squad is examined, as Newcastle sensation Sandro Tonali and Inter maestro Nicolo Barella rank amongst Europe’s premier midfielders. Tonali’s form for the Toon this campaign has seen him linked with a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United.
Italy’s standout talent might well be goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, though.
Manchester City’s imposing shot-stopper claimed the Champions League last term with Paris Saint-Germain before his Premier League switch and continues to be amongst the globe’s elite in his role.
Arsenal fullback Riccardo Calafiori has been one of the standout defenders in England this season, as he has looked to prove he was worth the £42m it took the Gunners to prise him from Bologna.
But while he may have a Premier League medal to console himself with come May – and maybe even a Champions League one too – but he, like his compatriot Donnarumma won’t be representing the Azzuri with pride.
Nikola Milenkovic
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Serbia were in England’s qualifying group but could only finish third behind Albania. That means no Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest in North America.
The former Fiorentina centre-back has been one of the Premier League’s most impressive defenders for the past two seasons.
And the 28-year-old has even been tipped with a blockbuster summer move to Manchester United on account of his performances for relegation battling Forest.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary’s route to World Cup qualification heartbreak was arguably amongst the most dramatic. They went into their final UEFA Qualifying Group F fixture against the Republic of Ireland in November requiring just a point and held a 2-1 advantage until the 80th minute.
Troy Parrott’s already iconic goal drew the match level before the forward netted a 96th-minute winner to seal his hat-trick and propel his country into the playoffs. Dominik Szoboszlai bore the brunt of this setback.
Liverpool’s Szoboszlai has emerged as a revitalised player this campaign, with his thunderous long-range efforts and exceptional distribution making him amongst the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders.
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards since finding his feet in the division with Brentford and his whopping 20 goals in England’s top flight last campaign earned him a £71m summer switch to Manchester United.
He’s repaid that with nine goals so far this term, which is not too shabby considering how poor the Red Devils were before hapless manager Ruben Amorim finally got the boot.
But he’s known since November that he wouldn’t need a passport this summer, after the Cameroon winger suffered a devastating defeat in World Cup qualification.
Cameroon dropped out of Africa’s World Cup qualifying by losing to DR Congo, courtesy of a 91st-minute winner from former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba, despite the The Indomitable Lions ranking six places above them in FIFA’s world rankings.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia caught the eye at Euro 2024 and many anticipated they would at least feature in the forthcoming World Cup.
However, they found themselves drawn in a qualifying group with Spain and Turkey and could only manage third place.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has emerged as one of Europe’s most exceptional wingers and proved instrumental in PSG’s Champions League triumph last year.
But the 25-year-old won’t have the opportunity to showcase his sublime technique and terrifying wing wizardry in North America.
Robert Lewandowski
Sweden’s inclusion this summer comes at the expense of Poland, who were defeated in a playoff final on Tuesday 3-2. This means their iconic forward Robert Lewandowski will miss out.
Having made his mark on the European stage with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski is unquestionably one of the greatest strikers of his era. He has netted nearly 700 goals so far and continues to impress for Barcelona at the ripe age of 37.
Unfortunately, Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer cannot add to his 89 international strikes this summer.
He even suggested on social media that this might be his farewell appearance for his nation with a wordless Instagram post set to the tune Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli.
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria were knocked out of World Cup qualification by DR Congo in November.
This means their star frontman Victor Osimhen is another elite marksman who will be missing in North America.
Osimhen has established himself as a serial champion since departing Lille for Napoli in 2020. His 26 Serie A strikes helped his team secure the Scudetto in 2023.
Even after leaving Italy for Galatasaray, he played a part in a domestic double last campaign before being transferred to the Turkish outfit for £62million during the summer.
Rasmus Hojlund
Denmark’s aspirations were dashed via a penalty shootout on Tuesday with Czechia progressing to the World Cup. On-loan Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund fluffed his lines from the spot.
Hojlund, who has been flourishing during his loan spell at Napoli this term, was his country’s opening penalty taker and thundered his attempt against the crossbar.
His team-mates Anders Dreyer and Mathias Jensen likewise failed to find the target.
The 23-year-old is yet to appear at a World Cup, as when Denmark secured qualification for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the manager favoured more experienced forwards ahead of Hojlund.
