As the football world prepares for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, several renowned international stars are set to miss the tournament due to injuries, disappointing form, or their nations’ failure to qualify.
Among the most notable absentees is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old Barcelona forward was left emotional after Poland narrowly failed to secure qualification. Although he has not officially announced retirement from international football, speculation continues over his future with the national team. Lewandowski leaves behind an illustrious international career with 89 goals in 165 appearances for Poland.
Brazil will also be without two major attacking talents. Young winger Estevao Willian has been ruled out after suffering a serious hamstring injury while playing for Chelsea. Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Rodrygo is expected to remain sidelined until late 2026 after sustaining severe knee ligament damage.
Georgian sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will also miss the tournament after Georgia failed to qualify for the World Cup finals. Despite impressive performances for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, the winger has yet to make a World Cup appearance.
Italy’s shocking failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup means fans will not see goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and midfielder Sandro Tonali on football’s biggest stage. Italy reportedly suffered elimination in a dramatic playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nigeria, another major football nation, also failed to qualify after losing in the African playoffs. As a result, star striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman will miss the global event, disappointing fans eager to watch their pace and attacking flair.
France’s rising forward Hugo Ekitike has been sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury suffered during a UEFA Champions League clash while playing for Liverpool. Reports suggest he could remain out until early 2027.
The Netherlands will also be without attacking midfielder Xavi Simons after the Tottenham Hotspur player sustained an ACL injury in Premier League action.
Cameroon’s failure to qualify has ruled out Bryan Mbeumo despite the forward’s impressive domestic season.
Several other prominent names are also expected to miss the World Cup. Spain midfielder Fermin Lopez and Germany winger Serge Gnabry have been ruled out through injuries. England stars Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were reportedly excluded due to poor form.
Japan’s Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma are also absent, while Brazil defender Eder Militao continues recovery following surgery.
Additionally, Slovenia captain Jan Oblak and Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the tournament after their national teams failed to progress through qualification.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, is scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
