Six Stars Set to MISS World Cup 2026, Including 675-Goal Machine and Manchester United Ace
The lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is finalized, featuring 48 teams set to compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, several prominent players will not be making the trip to North America, leaving fans disappointed.
Notable Absentees from the World Cup
The World Cup 2026 roster was confirmed after the conclusion of crucial European and intercontinental playoffs. Iraq and DR Congo secured the last two spots, joining Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the tournament. Yet, the excitement for these nations contrasts sharply with the heartbreak felt by others, particularly Italy, which will miss its third consecutive World Cup.
As reported by www.mirror.co.uk, several high-profile players will be absent due to their countries’ failure to qualify. This includes a legendary striker and some of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
Robert Lewandowski
Poland’s hopes for World Cup success were dashed when they lost to Sweden in a playoff final, with a score of 3-2. This defeat means that Robert Lewandowski, one of the most prolific forwards in football history, will not participate. Having scored nearly 700 career goals, Lewandowski remains a key player for Barcelona at 37 years old. His absence will be felt deeply, especially as he hinted on social media that this might be his last appearance for the national team.
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup ended in disappointment after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in November. Star striker Victor Osimhen, who has excelled since joining Napoli, will also miss the tournament. His impressive scoring record helped Napoli secure the Serie A title in 2023, but he will not have the chance to showcase his talents on the world stage.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Italy’s recent loss to Bosnia marked a significant setback for the four-time World Cup champions, who have not qualified since 2014. Despite having a squad filled with talent, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the team fell short. Donnarumma, who recently won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers globally, making his absence even more notable.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary’s failure to qualify was dramatic, as they needed only a draw in their final qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland but ended up losing. Dominik Szoboszlai, a rising star at Liverpool, will miss the opportunity to compete on the world stage. His performances in the Premier League have drawn attention, but he will have to wait for another chance to represent his country.
Rasmus Hojlund
Denmark’s hopes were extinguished in a penalty shootout against Czechia, with Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund missing a crucial penalty. Hojlund, who has been performing well on loan at Napoli, has yet to feature in a World Cup, as he was not selected for the previous tournament in Qatar.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia’s promising team, which impressed at Euro 2024, failed to qualify for the World Cup, finishing third in a tough group that included Spain and Turkey. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a standout winger for Napoli, will not have the chance to display his skills in North America. His absence is a significant loss for fans who were eager to see him compete.
These players represent just a fraction of the talent that will be missing from the World Cup, highlighting the unpredictable nature of international football.
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Published on 2026-04-01 14:42:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk