The expanded FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, features 48 teams, giving more nations a chance, but several strong sides and their star players fell short in the qualifiers and play-offs.
But despite that, some of the biggest names of the game won’t be seen in the extravaganza as their nations failed to qualify for the tournament.
1. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
The all-time leading scorer for Poland and one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Lewandowski scored in the playoff semi-final against Albania to keep hopes alive. However, Poland lost the playoff final to Sweden (3-2 on March 31, 2026), with late goals from Viktor Gyökeres proving decisive. At 37-38 years old during the tournament, this likely ends Lewandowski’s World Cup journey without him adding to his 2022 appearance. His clinical finishing, aerial ability, and leadership will be sorely missed on the global stage.
2. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
The towering Italy and PSG goalkeeper, one of the best in the world, was unable to prevent Italy from crashing out in the UEFA play-off final. Italy drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina (after extra time) but lost 4-1 on penalties. This marks Italy’s third consecutive absence from the World Cup, a huge disappointment for the four-time champions. Donnarumma’s shot-stopping and distribution will be missing from the 2026 tournament.
3. Christian Eriksen (Denmark)
The experienced Danish playmaker and midfield maestro saw his nation fall short in the play-off final. Denmark drew 2-2 with Czechia (after extra time) but lost 3-1 on penalties. Eriksen’s vision, passing range, and set-piece delivery – still world-class at club level – won’t feature at the expanded World Cup, leaving a creative void in what could have been Denmark’s campaign.
4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
Known as “Kvaradona,” the flair-filled winger dazzled at Euro 2024 and continues to entertain at club level with his dribbling, pace, and goals. Georgia failed to advance from their UEFA qualifying group and did not reach the play-offs, meaning one of world football’s most exciting attackers will sit out the 48-team tournament.
5. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
A powerful, athletic goal machine and one of Africa’s top forwards, Osimhen could not guide the Super Eagles through the tough CAF qualifiers. Nigeria suffered a shocking elimination in the play-offs against DR Congo, causing them to miss back-to-back World Cups. His absence removes a major goal threat and physical presence from the competition.
Other Notable Absences in FIFA World Cup 2026
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary) – Hungary missed the play-offs after a late collapse.
- Riccardo Calafiori (Italy) – Arsenal’s dynamic defender misses out as Italy failed to qualify
- Jan Oblak (Slovenia) – Slovenia failed to qualify from their group.
- Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia) – Serbia missed out for the first time since 2014.
- Benjamin Sesko (Slovenia) – The young RB Leipzig star couldn’t carry Slovenia through.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) – Cameroon lost in the CAF play-offs.
- Milos Kerkez (Hungary) – Another Liverpool talent absent with Szoboszlai.
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Story first published: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 7:40 [IST]
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