Football: Who are the big stars missing from the FIFA World Cup 2026? From Robert Lewandowski to Rodrygo

Many of the biggest names in men’s football will convene for the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup (11 June-19 July), but there are several star players who will not be present on the pitch.

While the tournament will feature a record 48 teams in North America, qualifying for the world’s greatest stage saw a handful of powerhouse nations miss out.

Among them are four-time champions Italy, who are absent for the third straight finals after play-off final defeat on penalties. With the quality of Gianluigi Donnarumma and midfield maestro Sandro Tonali, it is a tough pill to swallow for the Azzurri.

Two of Africa’s most decorated nations will also miss out on the World Cup: five-time AFCON winners Cameroon and Nigeria, powered by talisman Victor Osimhen alongside 2024 African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.

The nature of the long football season has resulted in season-ending injuries for stars such as Hugo Ekitiké, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in April and will not represent France. His Liverpool teammate Dominik Szoboszlai did not qualify with Hungary.

Read on for an expanded selection and full list of the biggest stars who will not play at the FIFA World Cup.

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