The 2026 World Cup already has its 48 qualified, but the great soccer event will also have notable absences. Recognized figures in the best leagues in the world will not be present in the tournament that will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada from June 11, either because their teams did not make it or because they suffered serious injuries in recent months.
The most striking case is that of Italy, which was left out for the third consecutive World Cup. The elimination on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina leaves several European leaders without the World Cup, with Gianluigi Donnarumma as the most recognized figure. He is joined by Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time top scorer and Barcelona striker after the Poles’ elimination against Sweden in the playoffs.
Added to these absences are those of national team players who were also left behind during the qualifying process, as well as the absences due to injury that have affected some teams in the last months of preparation.
The 10 most notable absences
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland) He is perhaps the most recognized name outside the World Cup. The all-time top scorer for his team and Barcelona forward was eliminated after the 3-2 defeat against Sweden in the European playoffs. At 37 years old, everything indicates that he will leave his dream of competing in his fourth World Cup pending.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy) extends its particular World Cup drought. The Manchester City goalkeeper, with 81 international caps, was unable to stop a penalty in the final shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina, prolonging the Italian absence at the biggest event in world football.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary) It is one of the most costly absences in market terms. The Liverpool midfielder, valued at 100 million euros, misses the tournament after his team was eliminated in the qualifying phase.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia) It will not be in North America either. One of the great stars of PSG and current European football is out along with his team, which failed to overcome the qualifying process.
- Rodrygo (Brazil) It is the biggest loss due to injury among those classified. The Real Madrid forward suffered a torn cruciate ligament on March 2 against Getafe, ruling him out of the tournament for several months.
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) It is the great African absence. The Galatasaray forward, valued at 65 million euros, misses the World Cup after Nigeria’s elimination against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the continental playoffs.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) is another big name that will not be traveling to North America. The Manchester United striker, valued at 70 million euros, is out along with Cameroon, who also lost to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Sandro Tonali (Italy) adds his name to the Italian list. The Newcastle midfielder, valued at 80 million euros, is one of the most sensitive casualties of an Azzurra that will not find its way to the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
- Rasmus Højlund (Denmark) He also stays at home. The Danish striker loses his World Cup opportunity after his team’s elimination on penalties against the Czech Republic in the UEFA playoffs.
- Jack Grealish (England) completes the list of absences due to injury. The midfielder suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in January, depriving him of participating in a World Cup that his team will compete in with great aspirations.