The complete lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been finalized, with Iraq and DR Congo securing the last qualification spots. The surprising elimination of Italy sent shockwaves through the Italian press and the wider football world. This summer’s tournament is poised to be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams, including several unexpected qualifiers such as Haiti, Curaçao, Turkey, Iran, DR Congo, and Iraq.
However, the competition will proceed without some of football’s biggest names. Several renowned stars will miss the tournament, potentially marking the end of their World Cup ambitions due to their age. Perhaps the most significant absence is Robert Lewandowski, whose Poland side was knocked out by Sweden. At 37, the prolific Barcelona striker, with 89 goals for Poland, may not be active by the 2030 World Cup.
Italy’s surprising early exit means no Italian players will feature in the tournament. Among them, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was crowned player of the tournament at UEFA Euro 2020 in 2021, is a major miss. Similarly, Denmark’s elimination, also following a penalty shootout, means Christian Eriksen, at 34, might have played his last World Cup qualifier.
From the African nations, Guinea’s exit sidelines Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy. Nigeria’s former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen (now at Galatasaray) will also be absent, as will Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (now at Marseille), who might conclude his illustrious career without a World Cup appearance.
Other notable players who will miss out include:
- Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon, Manchester United
- Dusan Vlahovic – Serbia, Juventus
- Dominik Szoboszlai – Hungary, Liverpool
- Sandro Tonali – Italy, Newcastle
- Milos Kerkez – Hungary, Liverpool
- Alexis Sanchez – Chile, Sevilla