The World’s Biggest Stars who will NOT be Featuring at the 2026 World Cup

It’s the ultimate International trophy and one which every single player would love to get their hands on. Perhaps the most storied competition in Football History, the 2026 World Cup will be hosted by The USA, Canada and Mexico.

The Competition has also recently expanded to include a grand total of 48 teams from around the globe, allowing even minnow nations like Curacao, Haiti, Qatar and Panama to feature. But what’s almost as newsworthy as the teams who will be there, is the teams who might not. Some of the biggest stars in the Premier League will not be featuring or are at risk of not featuring. But who are they?

We took a deep look at the global stars who will be missing out on next year’s competition.

For more interesting news and articles, check out our Feature Articles Section. For all Premier League related team news and updates, check out our Predicted Line Ups Hub, where we also include the best odds for the weekend.

Anyway, without further ado, we present the 2026 World Cup’s most natbale absentees.

 

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)

Georgia’s superstar lit up the qualifying campaign, but the dream never truly caught fire. Georgia finished third in their group behind Spain and Turkey, undone by a run of damaging defeats — including a heavy 4–1 loss in Trabzon — that left them with too much ground to make up. Kvaratskhelia delivered moments of brilliance, but the supporting cast couldn’t keep Georgia in the race.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez & Péter Gulácsi (Hungary)

Hungary’s hopes were shredded in one of the most dramatic finishes of the entire European qualifying cycle. Playing at home in Budapest, Hungary led and then levelled, only to suffer a gut-punch in the 96th minute as Ireland’s Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick to win it 3–2. Szoboszlai and Kerkez both influenced the game, while Gulácsi was left helpless as defensive chaos unfolded in front of him. That single stoppage-time moment kicked Hungary out of the playoff race.

Jan Oblak (Slovenia)

Slovenia’s campaign was quietly solid but ultimately fell apart at the worst possible time. A disastrous 2–0 home defeat to Kosovo — complete with an own goal and a late red card — flipped their qualification picture upside down. With too many dropped points elsewhere and no margin for error, that collapse in Ljubljana sealed their fate and left Oblak watching the World Cup from home.

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Cameroon’s path ended in heartbreak during the CAF playoff semi-finals. In a tense, grinding tie, the Indomitable Lions were undone by a stoppage-time winner from DR Congo. It was a frustrating end for Mbeumo, who had been carrying strong club form into international duty but couldn’t find the decisive spark that Cameroon needed.

Victor Osimhen & Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Nigeria’s qualifying run ended in the most agonising way imaginable: penalties. After a 1–1 draw with DR Congo in their intercontinental playoff, the Super Eagles fell 4–3 in the shootout. Osimhen, battling a hamstring problem, was forced off at half-time in the decisive match. Lookman worked tirelessly but couldn’t produce a moment to tilt the tie. For a nation with such attacking talent, the failure to reach the World Cup reverberated across Africa.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)

One of Europe’s most in-form strikers won’t be at the World Cup because Guinea never truly got going in qualifying. A string of missed chances, narrow defeats, and a lack of consistency across the CAF round meant they finished fourth in their group. Guirassy’s club scoring touch didn’t translate to the international stage, and the campaign slipped away long before the final matchday.

Any other stars we missed? Let us know. If you are a fellow Fantasy Football fan, then make sure you also check out our Game Week Tips Section.