The field for World Cup 2026 is now complete though there will be some headline-making players absent in North America
Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary thanks the crowd for cheering after the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match
Dominik Szoboszlai is one of many big names who'll miss World Cup 2026(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
We now know the 48 teams that will compete at this summer's World Cup. But some notable players will be missing in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The lineup for World Cup 2026 is confirmed following the conclusion of the high-stakes European and intercontinental playoffs. Both Iraq and DR Congo were the last two countries to punch their ticket, with Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina completing the lineup.
But these nations' joy is paralleled by the despair of others, with some massive names seeing their dreams of participation squashed. The biggest of the absentees is undeniably Italy, who will now miss their third consecutive tournament.
Robert Lewandowski
Sweden's participation this summer comes at the expense of Poland, who were downed in a playoff final on Tuesday 3-2. This means their iconic frontman Robert Lewandowski will miss out.
Having made a name for himself on the European stage with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski is undeniably one of the finest forwards of his generation. He has bagged almost 700 goals to date and is still strutting his stuff for Barcelona at the age of 37.
Sadly, Poland's all-time record scorer cannot add to his 89 international goals in the summer. He even hinted on social media that this could be his final match for his country with a caption-less Instagram post accompanied by the song Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli.
Robert Lewandowski of the Poland reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Sweden and Poland
Lewandowski couldn't help Poland qualify for the World Cup(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria were eliminated from World Cup contention by DR Congo in November after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss. This means their star striker Victor Osimhen is another top marksman who will be absent in North America.
Osimhen has become a serial winner since leaving Lille for Napoli in 2020. His 26 Serie A goals helped his side win the Scudetto in 2023.
Even after leaving Italy behind for Galatasaray, he contributed to a domestic double last season before being sold to the Turkish club for £62million in the summer.
Victor James Osimhen of Nigeria gestures during the AFCON 3rd place match between Nigeria and Egypt at Mohammed V stadium
Osimhen and Nigeria have missed out(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Italy's agonising defeat at the hands of Bosnia on Tuesday marked a dark day for the national team. The four-time champions have not qualified for a World Cup since 2014.
This seems inconceivable when their squad is considered, as Newcastle star Sandro Tonali and Inter ace Nicolo Barella are among the finest midfielders in Europe. Perhaps their brightest star is goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, however.
ManchesterCity's towering shot-stopper won the Champions League last season with Paris Saint-Germain before his Premier League move and remains one of the world's best in his position.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy
Donnarumma's Italy were beaten in a shootout by Bosnia(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary's path to World Cup qualification failure was perhaps one of the more dramatic. They entered their final UEFA Qualifying Group F match against the Republic of Ireland in November needing only a draw and were 2-1 up until the 80th minute.
Troy Parrott's already iconic first goal levelled the match before the striker grabbed a 96th-minute winner to complete his hat-trick and send his nation to the playoffs. Dominik Szoboszlai was on the receiving end of this blow.
Liverpool's Szoboszlai has been a player rejuvenated this season, with his long-range strikes and brilliant passing range making him one of the English top-flight's most in-form midfielders.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary looks dejected during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at Puskas Arena
Szoboszlai will have the summer off(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
Content Image
Content Image
Rasmus Hojlund
Denmark's hopes came to an end via spot-kicks on Tuesday with Czechia advancing to the World Cup. On-loan Manchester United ace Rasmus Hojlund missed from 12 yards.
Hojlund, who has been thriving on loan at Napoli this season, was the first from his nation to step up and he smashed his effort off the bar. His team-mates Anders Dreyer and Mathias Jensen also failed to convert.
The 23-year-old has yet to feature at a World Cup, as when Denmark qualified for the 2022 edition in Qatar, the manager opted for more senior strikers rather than Hojlund.
Denmark's Rasmus Hoejlund reacts after missing his penalty during the penalty shoot-out of the World Cup qualification football match between Czech Republic and Denmark
Hojlund's penalty hit the bar(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia impressed at Euro 2024 and many would have expected them to at least compete in the upcoming World Cup. But they were placed in a qualifying group alongside Spain and Turkey and finished third.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia left winger of Georgia and SSC Napoli during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Spain and Georgia at Cologne Stadium
Kvaratskhelia impressed at Euro 2024(Image: Getty)
View 7 Images
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has developed into one of the finest wingers in Europe and he was a crucial piece of PSG's Champions League-winning puzzle last year.
But the 25-year-old won't get to show off his silky skills and fear-inducing wing-play in North America with his country falling short last year.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.