2026 World Cup heartbreak: 10 stars from qualified countries set to miss tournament

By Tolulope Oke

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature many of football’s biggest nations, but some of their biggest names will still be missing.

Unlike players such as Victor Osimhen or Robert Lewandowski, whose countries failed to qualify, these are stars whose countries made it to the tournament but who are not expected to be part of the squads because of injuries, selection decisions or controversial omissions.

1. Harry Maguire — England

Maguire is one of the biggest England names set to miss the tournament after Thomas Tuchel left him out of the World Cup squad. The Manchester United defender had been a regular figure in England’s defence at previous major tournaments.

2. Phil Foden — England

Foden was also omitted from England’s squad. His exclusion is one of the most surprising calls, considering his status as one of England’s most technically gifted attacking players.

3. Cole Palmer — England

Palmer joins Foden among England’s high-profile absentees. Reports said he failed to make Tuchel’s final selection despite being part of England’s recent setup.

4. Trent Alexander-Arnold — England

Alexander-Arnold is another major England omission. The Real Madrid defender was left out despite his profile and attacking quality from right-back.

5. Mohamed Kudus — Ghana

Ghana qualified, but Kudus will miss the World Cup because of injury. Reuters reported that the Tottenham Hotspur forward was ruled out of Ghana’s preliminary squad after a setback in his recovery from a quad injury.

6. Andre Ayew — Ghana

Veteran Ghana forward Andre Ayew is also set to miss the tournament after reportedly being excluded from the Black Stars squad. His omission marks a major generational shift for Ghana.

7. Dean Huijsen — Spain

Spain qualified, but Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s squad. His omission is part of the bigger shock that Spain named a World Cup squad without a single Real Madrid player.

8. Dani Carvajal — Spain

Carvajal is another Real Madrid name missing from Spain’s World Cup squad. Reuters listed him among the Madrid players who missed out as Spain went with a squad dominated by Barcelona players.

9. Rodrygo — Brazil

Brazil qualified, but Rodrygo will not be at the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Real Madrid. Al Jazeera reported that the winger is expected to be out until the end of 2026.

10. Xavi Simons — Netherlands

The Netherlands will be at the World Cup, but Xavi Simons will not. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been ruled out after suffering an ACL injury

Worthy of Mention: Injury Watch

Neymar — Brazil

Neymar is not officially out of the World Cup, but he remains one of the biggest names on injury watch. The Brazil forward was included in the squad despite recent injury struggles, but reports of a fresh minor calf problem have raised concern over whether any last-minute setback could affect his tournament readiness.

Lionel Messi — Argentina

Messi also belongs in the injury-watch category. The Argentina captain was reported to have suffered a hamstring overload weeks before the tournament, after being substituted during an Inter Miami match. He has not been ruled out, but his fitness will be closely monitored before Argentina begin their World Cup defence.

Lamine Yamal — Spain

Lamine Yamal made Spain’s World Cup squad, but he is another major fitness concern. The Barcelona teenager had a left hamstring injury and was ruled out for the remainder of his club season, although reports say Spain expect him to be available for the World Cup.

Nico Williams — Spain

Nico Williams is also worth mentioning. He picked up an injury concern before the tournament, but reports say he is expected to be fit for Spain’s World Cup campaign.