The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest edition in history with 48 participating nations, but even the expanded format could not prevent several world-class absences. Between shocking eliminations, dramatic playoff defeats, and a devastating wave of injuries, many international stars will not be present in North America.

The most significant absences are divided between players whose national teams failed to qualify and stars ruled out because of serious injuries suffered during the final stretch of the European season.

One of the biggest names missing will be Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker from Galatasaray was left out of the World Cup after Nigeria’s surprising playoff elimination against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Alongside him, Ademola Lookman, another of Africa’s biggest attacking stars, will also miss the tournament.

Italy will once again be involved in one of international football’s biggest disappointments. The Azzurri failed to qualify and will miss a third consecutive World Cup. As a result, world-class players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco, and Riccardo Calafiori will all be absent from the competition.

Robert Lewandowski will not be present either. The legendary Polish striker lost the UEFA playoff final against Sweden and will miss what was likely his final major international tournament.

Other European stars who failed to qualify include Dominik Szoboszlai with Hungary, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Georgia, Benjamin Šeško with Slovenia, and Rasmus Højlund with Denmark.

At the same time, the overloaded football calendar and the extreme physical demands of the modern game caused a brutal wave of injuries in the months leading up to the tournament.

Brazil suffered one of the hardest blows with the loss of Rodrygo Goes. The Real Madrid attacker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear during a LaLiga match and was ruled out for several months. Brazil will also be without Éder Militão, who underwent surgery after suffering a serious muscle injury.

Another young Brazilian star missing the tournament is Estêvão. The Chelsea player suffered a significant hamstring tendon injury and was removed from Brazil’s preliminary squad.

The Netherlands also arrives heavily affected by injuries. Xavi Simons suffered a torn ACL in April, while Matthijs de Ligt failed to recover from recurring knee problems.

France will be without Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitiké, who ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Champions League quarterfinals. Germany will also miss Serge Gnabry due to a serious muscle injury suffered in April.

In Asia, Japan received devastating news after Kaoru Mitoma  Mexico, one of the tournament’s host nations, also suffered a major setback with the injury to goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, considered the team’s undisputed starter.

Argentina will be without defender Juan Foyth, while Spain lost striker Samu Omorodion after an injury suffered late in the season.

Beyond the confirmed absences, several international stars remain in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup. Among the biggest names under constant medical monitoring are Lamine Yamal, Alphonso Davies, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Mikel Merino, and Nico Williams.

The absence of so many stars has once again reignited the debate surrounding the overloaded international football calendar and the physical toll placed on elite players. However, it also opens the door for emerging talents to take center stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Even with several major absences, the tournament is still expected to bring together the best available footballers on the planet and deliver one of the most competitive and demanding World Cups in modern football history.

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