Stars missing from the 2026 World Cup

Just a few days away from the start of the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many global football stars will watch the tournament as spectators from their homes; due to last-minute injuries, coach selections, and failures in the qualifiers, the tournament will miss significant names that have made their mark at high levels in recent seasons.

The absence of Polish striker Lewandowski is among the most impactful. Despite his status as a football legend in his country and his impressive international career, the Barcelona forward will not participate in the World Cup after Poland was eliminated in the qualifiers; this absence also symbolizes the gradual end of a generation that has made a good presence in European football over the past decade.

Another major absentee is current Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is considered one of the most talented players of his generation, as he will not be present at the North American World Cup after Georgia failed to secure a spot in the finals. This absence deprives the tournament of a skillful player who can turn the tide of any match on his own.

Many national teams have lost key players for health reasons. Brazilian Rodrigo, a winger for Real Madrid, who suffered a serious injury, will not be able to participate in the tournament. His compatriot Eder Militao joins the list of confirmed absentees; this significantly weakens the "Seleção" in both defense and attack.

Regarding Germany, the World Cup dream for Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry has evaporated due to an injury he sustained as the tournament's start date approaches.

The Dutch national team will have to play without their young star Xavi Simons; the latter, who is one of the prominent faces of the Dutch football revival, has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury that will keep him off the pitch for many months.

France will also be deprived of their striker Hugo Ekitike, whose injury to the "Achilles tendon" has prematurely dashed his hopes of participating in his first World Cup.

The "Azzurri" will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time; this deprives the tournament of shining names such as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defender Alessandro Bastoni, and midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The best striker in Africa previously will also be absent, after the "Green Eagles" failed to secure their place in the finals.

As is the case in every edition, the 2026 World Cup will present its share of champions and rising talents; however, the competition will also unfold in the presence of "empty seats," left by players whose talent could have illuminated the biggest stage in global football.