The World Cup 2026 lineup is confirmed with 48 teams competing in North America but some notable players will be missing
12:55, 01 Apr 2026
Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary thanks the crowd for cheering after the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match
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Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is one many notable World Cup 2026 absentees(Image: Getty)
We now know the 48 teams set to compete at World Cup 2026. But some high-profile players will be absent from the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The line-up for the World Cup has been finalised following the nail-biting conclusion of the European and intercontinental playoffs. Iraq and DR Congo were the last two nations to secure their places, with Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina rounding off the roster.
However, the jubilation of these countries is matched by the disappointment of others, with some big names seeing their dreams of competing dashed. The most notable absentee is undoubtedly Italy, who will now miss their third consecutive tournament.
We take a look at the most significant players who won't feature at the World Cup due to their country failing to qualify, including a legendary striker and one of the Premier League's top midfielders.
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Robert Lewandowski
Sweden's inclusion this summer comes at the expense of Poland, who were defeated in a playoff final on Tuesday 3-2. This means their iconic forward Robert Lewandowski will miss out.
Having made his mark on the European stage with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski is unquestionably one of the greatest strikers of his era. He has netted nearly 700 goals so far and continues to impress for Barcelona at the ripe age of 37.
Unfortunately, Poland's all-time leading goalscorer cannot add to his 89 international strikes this summer. He even suggested on social media that this might be his farewell appearance for his nation with a wordless Instagram post set to the tune 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
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Lewandowski couldn't help Poland qualify(Image: Getty)
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria were knocked out of World Cup qualification by DR Congo in November. This means their star frontman Victor Osimhen is another elite marksman who will be missing in North America.
Osimhen has established himself as a serial champion since departing Lille for Napoli in 2020. His 26 Serie A strikes helped his team secure the Scudetto in 2023.
Even after leaving Italy for Galatasaray, he played a part in a domestic double last campaign before being transferred to the Turkish outfit for £62million during the summer.
Victor James Osimhen of Nigeria gestures during the AFCON 3rd place match between Nigeria and Egypt at Mohammed V stadium
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Osimhen and Nigeria will miss out this summer(Image: Getty)
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Italy's crushing loss to Bosnia on Tuesday represented a devastating blow for the national side. The four-time world champions haven't reached a World Cup since 2014.
This appears unthinkable when their squad is examined, as Newcastle sensation Sandro Tonali and Inter maestro Nicolo Barella rank amongst Europe's premier midfielders. Their standout talent might well be goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, though.
Manchester City's imposing shot-stopper claimed the Champions League last term with Paris Saint-Germain before his Premier League switch and continues to be amongst the globe's elite in his role.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy
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Donnarumma failed to save a single Bosnian penalty(Image: Getty)
Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary's route to World Cup qualification heartbreak was arguably amongst the most dramatic. They went into their final UEFA Qualifying Group F fixture against the Republic of Ireland in November requiring just a point and held a 2-1 advantage until the 80th minute.
Troy Parrott's already iconic goal drew the match level before the forward netted a 96th-minute winner to seal his hat-trick and propel his country into the playoffs. Dominik Szoboszlai bore the brunt of this setback.
Liverpool's Szoboszlai has emerged as a revitalised player this campaign, with his thunderous long-range efforts and exceptional distribution making him amongst the Premier League's most impressive midfielders.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary looks dejected during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at Puskas Arena
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Szoboszlai has impressed at Anfield this season(Image: Getty)
Rasmus Hojlund
Denmark's aspirations were dashed via a penalty shootout on Tuesday with Czechia progressing to the World Cup. On-loan Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund fluffed his lines from the spot.
Hojlund, who has been flourishing during his loan spell at Napoli this term, was his country's opening penalty taker and thundered his attempt against the crossbar. His team-mates Anders Dreyer and Mathias Jensen likewise failed to find the target.
The 23-year-old is yet to appear at a World Cup, as when Denmark secured qualification for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the manager favoured more experienced forwards ahead of 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
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Hojlund's penalty hit the crossbar(Image: Getty)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia caught the eye at Euro 2024 and many anticipated they would at least feature in the forthcoming World Cup. However, they found themselves drawn in a qualifying group with Spain and Turkey and could only manage third place.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has emerged as one of Europe's most exceptional wingers and proved instrumental in PSG's Champions League triumph last year. However, the 25-year-old won't have the opportunity to showcase his sublime technique and terrifying wing wizardry in North America.
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