.jpg)
Ten superstars who'll miss 2026 FIFA World Cup
.jpg)
Reading Time: 5min | Wed. 01.04.26. | 15:00
For some of them, this campaign was the last chance...
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are over, and we finally have the complete list of 48 teams that will compete in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in two and a half months, fighting for the world throne.
Yesterday, the UEFA and inter-confederation play-offs provided us with the final six participants, as Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden, DR Congo, and Iraq secured their seats on the plane to North America.
However, now it's time to remember those who'll miss the prestigious tournament because their teams fell short in the qualifiers.
Therefore, Mozzart Sport Kenya brings you the list of 10 famous players we won't be able to watch at the upcoming World Cup.
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Barcelona striker led his team in two World Cups, in 2018 and 2022, but last night missed a vital chance to qualify for the third time in a row. Given that Lewa is 37, this has probably been his last opportunity to feature at the WC.
Poland engaged in a fierce battle against Sweden in Solna, but were eliminated by Viktor Gyokeres' late winner.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
The Super Eagles were very close to making it as well, but, in the end, mainly their internal problems prevailed, causing them to miss their second consecutive World Cup. The players' "war" against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the unpaid bonuses was a drop in the ocean of troubles the three-time AFCON champions were facing.
The impression is that Nigeria hasn't had a stronger team in this century, yet they reached only the African play-off final, where DR Congo eliminated them on penalties, and eventually went on to book their place at the WC after 52 years by beating Jamaica 1-0 last night.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
After the entire chaos between the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president and national team legend Samuel Eto'o and the (now former) Indomitable Lions boss Marc Brys, it's no wonder Mbeumo and Co. missed a chance to appear in the country's ninth World Cup.
Cameroon were shockingly second in their qualifying group behind Cape Verde, but secured their spot in the African play-offs. Still, the eventual winners, DR Congo, stunned them in the semi-finals and crushed their WC dreams.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Arguably, the best custodian in the world at the moment won't be part of the World Cup, as the Azzurri suffered another devastating defeat and a massive blow, falling short against Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.
Truth be told, Italy were a man down for 80 minutes and fought bravely, but their efforts were in vain.
In the end, the poor performances in the group stage and a double loss to Norway cost them dearly, as they'll miss their third World Cup in a row for the first time in the national team's history.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
The popular Kvaradona and Co. had an exceptional run two years ago, qualifying for the 2024 European Championship - their maiden major tournament- and even reaching the Round of 16.
In the World Cup qualifying campaign, the luck wasn't on their side. In a group with impressive Spain and powerful Turkey, Georgia couldn't pull off another miracle.
Kvaratskhelia this time failed to take his national team to a major tournament (©Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)Honestly speaking, Kvaratskhelia is by far their best player, and without substantial support, the Crusaders will hardly repeat the success from two years ago.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
Another man whose national team squad is too weak to battle the giants. Still, many expected the National Elephants to grab at least second place in their qualifying group behind Algeria, but they eventually finished only fourth, allowing Uganda and Mozambique to leapfrog them.
A disappointing campaign, indeed.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Unlike Guinea, Gabon managed to achieve what was expected of them: be second in the group behind the Ivory Coast - though the Panthers were only one point short of topping the table - and then giving it all in the play-offs.
Unfortunately for Auba and Co. it wasn't enough, as they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Nigeria on penalties.
Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark)
The Manchester United loanee at Napoli has found his form in Italy, but last night was a tragic figure of his team's play-off defeat to the Czech Republic in the shootout, missing one of the spot kicks.
Generally speaking, the Danes missed their opportunity to earn a direct qualification for the World Cup by drawing 2-2 with already-eliminated Belarus at home, allowing Scotland to grab the top of the group.
Rasmus Hojlund representing Denmark (©AFP)Benjamin Sesko (Slovenia)
The Slovenian has been excellent with Man United recently, but that did not help his national team much, as the popular Little Dragons had a terrible campaign, winning only four points in six games in a group with Sweden, Kosovo*, and Switzerland.
Hence, Sesko will have to watch the World Cup from the comfort of his living room.
Dominic Szoboszlai (Hungary)
A national team of whom many expected more. The Mighty Magyars haven't participated in the WC since 1986, and even though they have a fantastic generation of players, the latest campaign was a failure.
Hungary finished third in their group behind Portugal and the Republic of Ireland and will have to wait four years for another chance. Szoboszlai will be 29 then - some would say in his prime - so they have reasons to be optimistic.