Some of the world's biggest stars risk missing out on the World Cup in 2026 due to injuries, form concerns, and qualification playoffs, while others have already missed their chance to reach North America
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
17:51, 10 Feb 2026
Alexander Isak is currently nursing an injury
Alexander Isak is currently nursing an injury(Image: Getty Images)
The World Cup is the platform where numerous soccer legends have etched their names in history.
However, for every Lionel Messi at Qatar 2022, there's a George Weah, Ryan Giggs or Eric Cantona - stars who never graced the grandest stage despite illustrious careers. As domestic seasons are in full swing, some players will sadly be cut from the largest ever World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico due to injuries and dips in form.
The playoffs in March add another layer of risk for more high-profile players who could potentially miss out on the expanded 48-team tournament. Let's take a glance at some of the biggest names who are in danger of missing the tournament, or have already lost their chance to secure a spot for the World Cup, including some Liverpool stars...
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Neymar - Brazil
Neymar has earned his reputation as one of the finest players of his era, and rightly so. The forward can illuminate a match with the kind of flair that has become synonymous with Brazil's top talents.
However, now aged 34, doubts are beginning to surface about his position in the national squad ahead of what could be his last World Cup. Neymar has been grappling with injury problems over recent seasons, and while a move back to Santos was hoped to spark a revival, it hasn't quite had the desired impact - yet.
Carlo Ancelotti has made it abundantly clear he won't be accommodating passengers throughout the tournament, as speculation persists regarding the star's potential squad selection. This leaves Neymar facing a formidable challenge to secure his spot on the aircraft bound for this summer's World Cup, merely 12 years after his debut appearance on home soil.
Alexander Isak - Sweden
Sweden is locked in a struggle to secure its World Cup berth following a troubled qualification campaign that concluded in chaos. The team propped up its group with a mere two points, while Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia all surpassed Sweden in the standings.
Isak's Liverpool teammate, Conor Bradley, could also miss out on the tournament
Isak's Liverpool teammate, Conor Bradley, could also miss out on the tournament(Image: Getty Images)
Under Graham Potter's temporary stewardship, Sweden has been handed a World Cup reprieve through the UEFA Nations League, which has kept the country's qualification hopes alive. The Swedes face Ukraine in the March internationals for a spot in their bracket's final, representing a pivotal encounter.
Alexander Isak is racing against time to regain full fitness and form after sustaining a significant leg injury. At the same time, other notable squad members, including Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and Tottenham's injured striker Dejan Kulusevski, are also at risk of missing out on World Cup participation unless their performances improve substantially.
Bryan Mbeumo - Cameroon
Cameroon failed to secure World Cup qualification following an unexpected elimination from CAF qualifiers. The African powerhouse has participated in six World Cups, reaching the quarterfinals in 1990.
That means players like Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba won't be taking part in the tournament, despite their strong performances this season for Manchester United and Brighton, respectively.
Gianluigi Donnarumma - Italy
It would seem unthinkable that a footballing nation with Italy's pedigree could miss out on another World Cup, yet that prospect looms large. The Azzurri haven't featured in the competition since 2014, having failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Once more, they face the challenge of navigating a playoff round to secure their place in the tournament for the first time in 12 years. Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, offers them hope, but the weight of expectation in these crucial fixtures will put even their biggest names to the test.
Robert Lewandowski - Poland
Robert Lewandowski stands among the modern game's finest, demonstrating his class at both club and international level. The forward has frequently shouldered the burden of carrying Poland through difficult spells, yet the country has successfully reached the last two tournaments, competing in 2018 and 2022.
At 37, this represents what's almost certainly Lewandowski's last opportunity to showcase his abilities at the World Cup, though he faces the genuine prospect of missing out entirely. Poland must first navigate past Albania during the team's opening playoff fixture, before potentially facing a winner-takes-all knockout tie to secure its spot at the finals.
Dominik Szoboszlai - Hungary
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has established himself as a recognizable figure in England since his switch to the Premier League. However, despite flashes of individual excellence, he won't be featuring for Hungary at this summer's World Cup, following a challenging qualification campaign.
A heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Ireland in the dying moments of the Hungarians' concluding fixture confirmed they wouldn't progress, meaning they'll need to wait until 2030 for another attempt.
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia - Georgia
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and his Georgian teammates captured the imagination of supporters during Euro 2024, but there'll be no encore performance this summer. They failed to secure qualification for the World Cup after concluding their group in third position.
It proved a formidable challenge for the PSG forward and his colleagues, who were drawn alongside Spain and Turkey, as well as Bulgaria, managing to collect just three points. Without access to the playoff route, Georgia must shelve its World Cup aspirations until the next tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - England
England has found it challenging to unlock Trent Alexander-Arnold's full potential, while also struggling to secure him a regular spot in the starting XI. Under Gareth Southgate, the right-back was occasionally repositioned in midfield, though the former manager frequently favored alternative full-back options.
Despite Thomas Tuchel now leading the national side, the Real Madrid player has featured in just one squad selection under his management, back in June 2025. Between fitness setbacks and questions over his performances, there's a genuine possibility the 27-year-old could be excluded from the summer squad entirely.
Conor Bradley - Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has earned itself a shot at securing a spot in the World Cup this summer by finishing as one of the top third-placed teams in the UEFA qualification stages. The team managed to accumulate nine points in six matches in a group that included Germany, Slovakia and Luxembourg.
The country's reward for such an accomplishment... a face-off with Italy in the first round of the qualification playoffs. It's a formidable challenge, but not insurmountable, as the Azzurri's recent struggles in these playoff rounds have demonstrated.
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However, the task is made more difficult by the absence of Conor Bradley. The defender sustained a severe knee injury that will sideline him until at least next season, leaving the Liverpool star to merely spectate and hope his national team can achieve the improbable.