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As qualification rounds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw to a close, the expanded 48-team tournament taking place across Canada, the United States and Mexico is taking shape. Alongside the confirmed nations, the list of major football stars who will not appear at the event has now become clear. These players will stay away from the global stage simply because their national teams failed to qualify.
The qualification results have left several high-profile names out of the tournament, with teams from Europe, Africa and Central America falling short. This means some of the world’s most followed forwards, goalkeepers and midfielders will not be part of the competition.
Among the most notable absentees is Aleksandar Mitrovic, after Serbia failed to secure a place at the finals. Greece also failed to qualify, leaving Vangelis Pavlidis off the World Cup stage.
Hungary’s exit means creative midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will not travel to North America, while Slovenia’s elimination rules out both Jan Oblak and Benjamin Sesko, two names often highlighted for their consistency and rising form.
Nigeria’s failure to progress removes two attacking profiles, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, from the competition.
Cameroon’s absence also shapes the list, leaving Andre Onana, Bryan Mbeumo and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting among those who will not appear.
Elsewhere in Africa, Mali’s Yves Bissouma and Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore will miss the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Costa Rica’s veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas will not feature, following the team’s unsuccessful qualification campaign.
In the Caucasus region, Georgia’s exit means Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—one of the most closely watched wingers of recent years—will also be absent.
With qualification roads closing, the 2026 World Cup will be played without several names who regularly draw global attention for their performances in top leagues.
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