With exactly 11 days remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, anticipation is building across the globe for what will be the largest edition of the tournament in history. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifying campaigns and countless storylines, the world's biggest football event is set to unfold across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Global Icons and Notable Absentees
Global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are expected to headline the competition, but several major names will not be making the trip to North America. Some players, like Neymar, have seen their World Cup preparations disrupted by injury. Although the Brazil star was included in Carlo Ancelotti's final 26-man squad, his latest calf problem has cast doubt over his availability for the tournament. Others have been left out by their national team managers despite impressive performances, while several more will miss the tournament entirely after their countries failed to qualify.
Italy's absence from a third consecutive World Cup means a number of elite players will once again be missing from football's biggest stage, while injuries have also ruled out several stars who appeared certain to feature this summer. From established international veterans to some of the game's brightest young talents, here are 10 of the biggest names set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Poland's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup means Robert Lewandowski will miss what is widely expected to be the final World Cup opportunity of his remarkable career. One of the most prolific strikers of his generation, Lewandowski saw Poland's qualification hopes end after a crucial play-off defeat to Sweden. The disappointment comes during a period of major change for the 37-year-old, who left Barcelona at the end of the 2025-26 season after the expiration of his contract. Announcing his departure on May 16, Lewandowski said his 'mission is complete' after four successful years at the club. The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona forward had also temporarily stepped away from international duty following a dispute with the national team coach before returning to the setup. With Poland absent from the tournament, one of football's greatest goalscorers will not get another chance to compete on the sport's biggest stage this summer.
2. Hugo Ekitike (France)
The one team with depth of attacking talent to rival Brazil's is France, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue set to be unleashed by Didier Deschamps in his final tournament at the helm of Les Bleus. They will, however, have to cope without Hugo Ekitike after he suffered a ruptured Achilles in April that is set to rule him out of action for the remainder of 2026. Ekitike only made his international debut in September, but had firmly established himself in Deschamps' plans following an impressive debut season at Liverpool that saw him score 17 goals for Arne Slot's side, while he even netted what proved to be the winner in France's friendly victory over Brazil in March. However, he will now be forced to watch on from afar this summer.
3. Rodrygo (Brazil)
Brazil boast a wealth of attacking talent, but Carlo Ancelotti will still feel the absence of Rodrygo, a player he knows well from their time together at Real Madrid. The forward suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in March after going down injured during a match against Getafe, shortly after returning from a previous layoff. Scans confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling him out of the World Cup. In a social media post, Rodrygo described missing the tournament with Brazil as a devastating blow, calling it a dream that meant everything to him.
4. Harry Maguire (England)
A veteran of the last two World Cups, Maguire was left out by Thomas Tuchel from the England squad. Despite a decent club season and his leadership skills, he missed out with Tuchel opting for other names. Harry Maguire was left out of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup because manager Thomas Tuchel chose to stick with the core group of central defenders who played through the qualifying stages. Tuchel admitted that Maguire's exclusion was a tough call, given his recent solid form for Manchester United, but he wanted to reward the defenders who carried the team through the fall. Maguire, who has 66 caps for his country, stated that he was 'shocked and gutted' by the omission, as he believed he could have contributed significantly to the squad.
5. Xavi Simons (Netherlands)
After reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024, the Netherlands believe they are capable of challenging for glory this summer. Their hopes, however, have suffered a major blow after it was confirmed in late April that Xavi Simons had torn his ACL while playing for Tottenham against Wolves. While Simons has struggled for consistency during his debut season in the Premier League following his arrival from RB Leipzig, he has emerged as one of Ronald Koeman's most dependable operators during the current World Cup cycle, while his ability to produce something from nothing in attack will be sorely missed by an Oranje squad that otherwise lacks game-breaking talents.
6. Dominik Szoboszla (Hungary)
Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup because Hungary failed to qualify through the highly competitive European qualifiers. As the captain and undisputed talisman of his national team, the 25-year-old midfielder carried heavy expectations, but soccer remains a team sport, and Hungary ultimately fell short against Europe's elite. At the club level, Szoboszlai is a dynamic, world-class midfielder for Liverpool F.C., known for his intense work rate, exceptional vision, and lethal long-range shooting. While his absence is a massive disappointment for Hungarian fans, Szoboszlai remains one of Europe's brightest football talents.
7. Sandro Tonali (Italy)
Sandro Tonali will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to Italy's shocking failure to navigate the European qualification rounds. As a premier midfield anchor for Newcastle United F.C., the 26-year-old playmaker is highly regarded for his elite tactical intelligence, precise passing range, and fierce defensive tenacity. Often compared to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo, Tonali serves as the engine for both club and country. His absence from the global stage stands as a massive blow to football purists worldwide, highlighting the brutal nature of Europe's unforgiving World Cup qualification pathway.
8. Cole Palmer (England)
Cole Palmer was omitted from England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad in a ruthless selection overhaul by manager Thomas Tuchel. The 24-year-old Chelsea F.C. star paid the price for a frustrating club season disrupted by a severe groin injury, coupled with intense competition for the attacking midfield role from players like Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. When fully fit, Palmer is a world-class playmaker celebrated for his composure under pressure, spatial awareness, and clinical finishing. Despite his famous equalizing goal for England in the Euro 2024 final, a lack of consistent match sharpness and limited availability during recent international camps led to his shocking omission from the final 26-man roster.
9. Phil Foden (England)
Phil Foden was omitted from England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad by manager Thomas Tuchel following an underwhelming season with Manchester City. The 26-year-old endured a difficult campaign, struggling with form, a persistent ankle issue and the effects of physical and mental fatigue after several demanding years at club and international level. Despite being widely regarded as one of England's most gifted attacking players, Tuchel opted for alternatives such as Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers in a highly competitive area of the squad. Known for his exceptional dribbling, close control and creativity in tight spaces, the former Premier League Player of the Year will instead spend the summer recovering and preparing for the next chapter of his career at Manchester City.
10. Joao Pedro (Brazil)
Joao Pedro was controversially left out of Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad in a shocking tactical decision by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 24-year-old forward was arguably the biggest omission from the Selecao after an explosive debut season with Chelsea F.C., where he racked up 20 goals and won the club's Player of the Season award. Despite his incredible domestic form, Ancelotti opted for a highly debated tactical setup, prioritizing the nostalgic return of a veteran Neymar alongside other Premier League forwards like Igor Thiago and Matheus Cunha. A dynamic and versatile attacker, Pedro is celebrated for his clinical box instincts, quick footwork, and immense physical presence. While his omission left fans and pundits stunned, the Chelsea star remains a top-tier European talent with a massive future ahead on the international stage.
Other notable absentees include Kingsley Coman (France), who was left out due to tactical adjustments and France's depth in wide areas, and Paulo Dybala (Argentina), who was omitted despite a strong season with AS Roma. Dani Carvajal and all Real Madrid players were excluded from Spain's squad, marking a historic first. Neymar's participation remains uncertain due to a calf injury.
