The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, creating more opportunities for countries that previously struggled to secure a place at the finals. Nations such as Norway, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, finally benefited from the enlarged format, while debutants including Curaçao and Uzbekistan also booked historic appearances.

Yet even with the increase in available places, several established football nations were unable to reach the tournament. Some of the game’s biggest names will therefore miss the chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage when the competition takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Among the most surprising absentees is Italy. The four-time world champion and winner of Euro 2020 failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after being eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout. The setback means players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, and Nicolo Barella will once again be spectators.

Denmark also fell short despite being ranked among the world’s top 20 sides. The Danes were beaten by Czechia on penalties in the European playoffs after failing to find enough attacking quality. As a result, figures including Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Christian Nørgaard, Rasmus Højlund, and Mikkel Damsgaard will not be taking part.

African and Eastern European hopes come up short

Nigeria’s absence is another major disappointment. Despite possessing considerable attacking talent, the Super Eagles failed to qualify for a second straight World Cup. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the squad, while Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey, and Raphael Onyedika also form part of a strong core. However, shortcomings in defence and goalkeeping contributed to a playoff-final defeat against DR Congo.

Ukraine’s long wait for a return to the World Cup continues. The country has not appeared at the tournament since reaching the quarter-finals in 2006 and saw its latest bid ended by Sweden in the UEFA playoffs. A hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres proved decisive against a squad featuring Anatolii Trubin, Georgiy Sudakov, Artem Dovbyk, Andriy Lunin, Illia Zabarnyi, and Viktor Tsygankov.

Poland also saw its campaign end in heartbreak. Gyokeres struck again, scoring an 88th-minute winner in Sweden’s 3-2 victory over the Poles in the decisive playoff match. Having reached the last 16 in 2022, Poland could not maintain the same level, and the defeat also ended Robert Lewandowski’s hopes of appearing at another World Cup. Jakub Kiwior, Matty Cash, and Piotr Zieliński are among the other notable names left out.

Cameroon joins the list of significant absentees after qualifying in 2022 but failing to repeat the feat this time. The country possesses several promising players, yet it could not secure a place in the finals. The biggest omission from its squad is Bryan Mbeumo, whose profile has risen considerably since the previous World Cup.

Talented individuals denied a place on football’s biggest stage

Georgia impressed by reaching the knockout rounds of Euro 2024, but it was unable to build on that achievement in World Cup qualification. Consequently, Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will miss the tournament despite being regarded as one of the most gifted players in his position. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and striker Georges Mikautadze are also notable Georgian talents who will remain at home.

Hungary likewise failed to progress far enough to even reach the qualification playoffs. That means Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, known for his creativity and dead-ball ability, will not feature in North America. His Liverpool teammate Milos Kerkez is another prominent Hungarian player who misses out.

Slovenia’s wait for a World Cup return stretches on after another unsuccessful campaign. Veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak, renowned for his achievements with Atletico Madrid, is among the most distinguished players absent from the competition. The country also possesses exciting attacking talent in Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, whose development has attracted significant attention.

Chile’s elimination closes the door on what was likely the final World Cup opportunity for Alexis Sanchez. A key member of the generation that won the Copa America in 2015 and the Copa America Centenario in 2016, Sanchez remains one of the country’s most celebrated footballers, but Chile’s decline in recent years prevented another appearance on the global stage.

Established stars left, watching from home

Sandro Tonali enters the list of notable absentees after another strong season. Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s leading all-around midfielders, the 26-year-old was unable to help Italy avoid a third consecutive qualification failure. Speculation regarding a possible transfer worth around $100 million has surrounded his future.

His international teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma is arguably the most accomplished goalkeeper missing from the tournament. A two-time winner of the Yashin Trophy and a European champion with Italy, Donnarumma has spent much of the last decade among the elite players in his position. Despite his achievements, he has never appeared at a World Cup.

Victor Osimhen is another superstar who will be absent. The Nigerian striker has finished as the top scorer in both Serie A and the Turkish Süper Lig, while national team coach Eric Chelle described him as “the best striker in the world” following a World Cup qualifier in 2025. Nigeria’s failure to qualify means he will not have the chance to showcase his talents at the finals.

Benjamin Sesko and Rasmus Hojlund complete the list of high-profile omissions. Sesko scored 11 league goals in his first season with Manchester United and is already approaching 50 appearances for Slovenia despite being only 22. Hojlund enjoyed a productive campaign after moving from Manchester United to Napoli, reaching double figures in Serie A and triggering a permanent transfer worth $51.4 million. Nevertheless, Denmark’s playoff defeat to Czechia ensured that neither striker will be present at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will mark a new era for international football, with an expanded tournament bringing a record number of players onto the global stage. Alongside established stars, a wave of emerging talent is expected to seize the opportunity to make a breakthrough. From teenage prodigies to late-blooming attackers and versatile midfield creators, this group reflects the tournament’s growing depth and diversity. Many of these players arrive with strong domestic and continental form behind them, and the World Cup could be the moment they announce themselves to a worldwide audience.

Attacking forwards expected to break through

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) is a 19-year-old winger at RB Leipzig who has rapidly become one of the most in-demand young players in Europe. He joined from Leganés in July 2025 for around €20m and produced 21 goal contributions in 33 league matches, helping Leipzig reach the Champions League. Having spent part of his teenage years in Florida, he also returns to a familiar environment in the USA, and he has already featured in Ivory Coast’s warm-up win over France after missing earlier friendlies through injury.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico) is the youngest player at the tournament at just 17 and operates as an attacking midfielder for Tijuana. He became Mexico’s youngest senior international at 16 and also holds the record as the youngest scorer in Liga MX after scoring at 15. He featured in Mexico’s Gold Cup triumph, even starting the final, and is expected to be a major focus of home expectations if selected in the starting XI.

Ricardo Pepi (United States) plays for PSV Eindhoven and arrives after scoring 19 goals in a title-winning Dutch league season. He added six goals in his final five matches and already has 13 international goals in 35 appearances. Despite limited national team minutes over a long stretch, he returned to action in recent friendlies and contributed an assist against Senegal, underlining his importance for the hosts.

Armando González (Mexico) is a striker for Chivas de Guadalajara who scored 25 goals in a strong domestic season before breaking into the national team. He earned his first Mexico cap in late 2025 and scored his first international goal in February. Although early in his international career, he has been compared in style to Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández and is seen as a potential impact substitute.

Luis Suárez (Colombia) is a Sporting striker who delivered a remarkable 38 goals in his first season in Portugal after arriving from Almería. He also contributed nine assists and stepped into the role vacated by Viktor Gyökeres. His prolific domestic form has positioned him as a major attacking threat heading into the tournament.

Creative midfielders shaping matches

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) plays for SC Freiburg and impressed during their run to a European final, scoring seven goals from midfield. He is capable of operating in multiple midfield roles and was recognised as a standout performer in European competition. He has also already scored for Switzerland and has become a regular since his debut.

Nico Paz (Argentina) developed at Como under Cesc Fàbregas and plays mainly as a number 10 or a wide attacker. He produced 13 goals and eight assists in Serie A and led the league in completed dribbles. With Argentina, he has already scored and may be used in rotation or as an impact option.

Can Uzun (Turkey) is an Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker who started last season explosively with five goals and three assists in five league matches. Injuries limited his consistency later on, but his creativity remains highly valued. He is still competing for a consistent role at the international level behind established options.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) is a young Lille midfielder who has already played in major European competitions despite his age. He chose to represent Morocco and is expected to operate as a deep-lying midfielder in a double pivot. His experience at club level includes Champions League and Europa League appearances, giving him notable maturity.

Brian Gutiérrez (Mexico) moved from Chicago Fire to Guadalajara and switched international allegiance to Mexico. He has already played a role in several of Mexico’s matches in 2026, operating as an attacking midfielder in a structured system. His creativity has made him an important link between midfield and attack.

Defensive prospects building reputations

Lucas Herrington (Australia) is an 18-year-old centre-back from Brisbane who moved to Colorado Rapids in a record transfer. His performances in Major League Soccer quickly earned him a call-up to the Australian World Cup squad. He is viewed as a young defensive option already competing at the senior international level.

Kerim Alajbegović (Bosnia-Herzegovina) is a winger at Red Bull Salzburg who earned a return to Bayer Leverkusen via a buy-back clause. He showed composure in high-pressure moments by scoring decisive penalties in World Cup qualifying shootouts against Wales and Italy. Despite often starting as a substitute internationally, he has featured regularly in recent preparations.

Alessandro Circati (Australia) plays for Parma and has become a key defender in Serie A. Born in Italy but raised in Australia, he has already captained his national team at a young age. His leadership and consistency in defence make him an important part of Australia’s back line.

Luka Vušković (Croatia) is a Tottenham-owned centre-back currently on loan at Hamburg. He spent time developing in Belgium and Croatia’s youth system before establishing himself as a strong defensive presence in Germany. He also contributed six goals during his loan spell, adding an unusual attacking dimension for a defender.

African and International breakout talents

Gessime Yassine (Morocco) is a right winger at Strasbourg who moved from Dunkerque for around €7m in 2025. He helped Morocco win the Under-20 World Cup and has since been integrated into senior friendlies. A left-footed dribbler, he is known for close control and attacking flair.

Bazoumana Touré (Ivory Coast) joined Hoffenheim from Hammarby and quickly made an impact in the Bundesliga. He recorded 12 assists in a single league season and added goals during Africa Cup of Nations appearances. Competing for wing positions, he faces strong competition in a talented Ivorian squad.

Ali Jasim (Iraq) is a left winger owned by Como who has spent time on loan in multiple countries, including the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. He was top scorer at the Under-23 Asian Cup and has been regularly selected by Iraq over the past year. He now plays in a squad facing a very difficult group stage challenge.

Mohamed Amoura (Algeria) is a striker or winger at Wolfsburg who scored ten goals in his last six qualifying matches. Despite his club side suffering relegation, his international output has been highly productive. He is expected to lead Algeria’s attack while also providing width when needed.

Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) plays for Bayer Leverkusen and has impressed with consistent performances despite his young age. He can operate as an attacking midfielder or forward and has already scored for both club and country. His technical style and ability between the lines have drawn comparisons within Algerian football circles.

Houssem Aouar (Algeria) is an experienced midfielder now playing in Saudi Arabia, where he scored 15 goals in a strong domestic season. Once regarded as a major European prospect at Lyon, he has rediscovered form and provides creativity in midfield. His resurgence makes him an important figure in Algeria’s squad balance.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been due to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals, has been removed from the list of officials after being refused admission to the United States.

He was stopped on arrival at Miami International Airport and subsequently sent back, and he is currently in Turkey. No explanation has been provided by US immigration authorities for the decision, although Somalia is among several countries affected by a travel restriction linked to measures introduced during Donald Trump’s administration.

The decision means he will no longer take part in the 2026 World Cup as an on-pitch official.

FIFA position and visa responsibility

FIFA confirmed that Artan will not be able to attend the tournament to train or officiate after discussions with US authorities. The organisation stated that it does not control immigration procedures or visa decisions made by the host country.

According to FIFA, it was informed that his entry status would not change for now, meaning he could not be included in the officiating group.

The governing body also stressed that admission decisions ultimately rest with the host nation, which determines who is granted entry.

Training base requirements and logistical impact

Refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has established a preparation centre in Miami for the 52 referees and 88 assistant referees selected for the tournament.

All match officials are required to remain at this Florida base for training, preparation, and security arrangements.

Because of this setup, it would not be possible for Artan to remain outside the United States and only work matches staged in Canada or Mexico.

Reactions, statements, and background

A senior adviser at Somalia’s ministry of youth and sports confirmed that Artan had been travelling with valid documentation. A Somali embassy official in Nairobi added that a diplomatic passport had been issued to help resolve previous visa issues.

Artan himself said he remained positive despite the outcome and expressed gratitude to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for their support, adding that he intended to continue focusing on his refereeing career and future opportunities.

The Somali Football Federation has asked FIFA for urgent clarification on the situation.

Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House World Cup task force, said the decision by border officials was appropriate and expressed support for it.

Artan has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations. He was also named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July.

Iran is preparing for the World Cup in unusual circumstances, with the squad training in Turkey while the country is affected by ongoing conflict involving the United States, the tournament’s primary host nation.

Two members of the national team spoke to The Associated Press during a training camp held in Antalya, a coastal resort area in Turkey. Media access to the team’s preparations has been limited, and players have rarely spoken with international journalists.

Several logistical changes have also affected their preparation period. The squad originally planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but later relocated its base to Tijuana on the Mexican border due to difficulties in processing travel documents.

Players also made trips to Ankara to apply for visas at the US embassy, while Mexico eventually issued the necessary permits, allowing the team to continue their preparations and upcoming travel plans.

Ezatolahi on mental pressure and expectations

Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, 29, who is preparing for his third World Cup appearance, said the situation has made preparation difficult while acknowledging that his experience may help him handle the pressure.

He explained, “Well, to be honest, it’s not easy,” and added, “That’s going to be my third World Cup.” So for me and some of the other players, it might be easier to manage these kinds of things,” noting that experience can ease some of the burden.

However, he stressed that external circumstances are still affecting the squad, saying, “But at the end… it is going to be difficult for us because at the same time, we are following the news in our country and the political things, of course, can affect the mind of the players and the people.”

Ezatolahi also pointed to the added expectation from supporters, especially with matches taking place near Los Angeles, where a large Iranian community resides, saying the team hopes to make fans proud despite the pressure.

Ghorbani’s debut World Cup perspective

Mohammad Ghorbani, 24, who is preparing for his first World Cup, described the current situation as challenging but emphasized the need to focus on football responsibilities.

“It’s true that we are facing special circumstances right now, but we are football players, and we have to play, practice, and prepare ourselves for the competitions we have ahead,” he said in Farsi during the interview.

He also referenced difficulties faced by people back home during the conflict, adding that the squad intends to represent their country and aim for positive results that could bring joy to supporters.

Ghorbani said the team is motivated by unity and collective purpose, highlighting that their goal is to deliver happiness to fans through their performances on the global stage.

Travel arrangements, matches and added pressure

Iran’s squad is set to travel to Mexico before the tournament begins after completing their training period in Turkey. They are expected to continue preparations before entering the United States shortly before their opening match.

The team does not need to arrive in the US until 14 June, the day before their first group game against New Zealand, which will be played at the stadium used by the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood.

Their schedule also includes a second match in Inglewood against Belgium on 21 June, followed by their final Group G fixture in Seattle against Egypt on 26 June.

Ezatolahi noted that playing in Los Angeles, where many members of the Iranian diaspora live, could create a highly charged atmosphere, increasing expectations on the squad while also providing motivation to perform well.

FIFA has altered its stadium rules shortly before the start of the tournament, banning fans from bringing in bottles and other similar containers. The decision comes just days before the opening match on 11 June.

The updated policy prohibits reusable bottles, cups, jars, and cans, citing safety concerns. Officials say the change is intended to reduce the risk of objects being thrown inside venues and used as missiles.

This marks a reversal from earlier guidance, which had indicated that empty transparent plastic bottles of up to one litre would be permitted inside stadiums.

Safety rationale and official response

The governing body has said the updated restrictions are part of its broader commitment to safety for everyone attending matches, including players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff.

FIFA stated that drinks will still be available for purchase inside stadiums and added that pricing for water will remain in line with standard venue rates. It also said it is working with host cities and local authorities to provide cooling and hydration support around stadium areas.

These measures include misting stations, shaded spaces, hydration points, and cooling tents positioned outside stadium entrances and surrounding zones.

Health experts’ concerns over overheating

Heat specialists have warned that the decision could increase health risks for spectators, particularly in extreme temperatures expected across many host venues. One expert argued that removing easy access to water could raise the likelihood of heat-related medical incidents.

Concerns have also been raised about existing heat safety plans, which some scientists have previously described as insufficient. Experts say fans may already arrive at stadiums dehydrated after travelling in hot and humid conditions.

A professor of heat and health highlighted that spectators represent a wide range of vulnerability levels, including children, older adults, and people with medical conditions, making them more at risk than elite athletes.

Supporter reactions and wider issues

Supporter groups have criticised the late change in policy, describing it as unexpected after earlier assurances that fans would be allowed to bring bottles and access water freely inside stadiums.

Some fan organisations have questioned whether the move reflects commercial motivations, especially alongside concerns about high ticket prices and transport costs.

Critics have also pointed to wider climate and environmental concerns around the tournament, arguing that the combination of extreme heat risks and reduced hydration access raises questions about organisers’ responsibility for fan welfare.