The lineup for the 2026 World Cup is almost complete, with 42 of the 48 teams confirmed for next summer’s tournament. As some celebrated qualification this week, others saw their dreams dashed.
There is some top talent who will play no part in next summer’s showcase. Here is an XI of great players whose absence from the 2026 World Cup is already confirmed.
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak – Slovenia
Slovenia struggled during the qualification campaign despite the presence of Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak in goal. The Slovenians failed to win any of their six games, scoring just three times. Four draws earned some respect, but Slovenia finished a distant third in Group B, behind Switzerland and Kosovo.
Centre-back: Willi Orban – Hungary
Hungary’s hopes of a play-off place were dashed dramatically, as Ireland staged a late comeback to leapfrog them in the final fixture. Defeat in Budapest means Willi Orban will play no part in the summer. At 33, the veteran RB Leipzig defender may have missed the World Cup boat.
Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic – Serbia
Nikola Milenkovic was a revelation in the Premier League last season, earning Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Year as the club earned European qualification.
The towering defender was unable to lead Serbia to success in qualification, however, as a disappointing campaign concluded with a third-place finish in Group K. Serbia lost three of their final five games, including a 5-0 home humiliation against England.
Centre-back: Milos Kerkez – Hungary
Shoehorned into our back three is Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez. The 21-year-old’s tough start to the season continued as Hungary blew their World Cup chances this month. Kerkez, though, will come again.
Midfield: Carlos Baleba – Cameroon
Carlos Baleba was being touted as a £100m footballer in the summer, but the Brighton man will now showcase his talent at the 2026 World Cup. Cameroon crashed out of Africa’s qualifiers in the play-offs, losing to DR Congo.
Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai – Hungary
Arguably Liverpool’s best player this season, Dominik Szoboszlai has driven the Reds forward amid struggles this season.
He was also at the heart of Hungary’s qualification campaign, scoring once and providing four assists in six appearances. However, defeat to Ireland means Hungary’s wait for a first World Cup appearance since 1986 goes on.
What a turn of emotions for Dominik Szoboszlai. When Hungary scored their second goal in the 37th minute, he looked thrilled and on the way to a win against Ireland. But by the end of the game, he was devastated as Hungary were eliminated from a chance at the World Cup.
This is… pic.twitter.com/tpAURayzDU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 16, 2025
Midfield: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia
Georgia caught the attention of the world at Euro 2024, as the tournament debutants impressed to reach the knockout rounds.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the star of the side and has built a reputation as one of Europe’s best creators. The Georgian won a treble with PSG last season but will spend the summer watching from afar.
Right-wing: Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon
Bryan Mbeumo was part of the Cameroon team beaten in the African play-offs, as Chancel Mbemba’s stoppage-time goal sealed success for DR Congo.
It’s a bitter blow for the Manchester United man, who has scored seven goals in 27 caps since changing his international allegiance from France.
Left-wing: Ademola Lookman – Nigeria
A talented generation of Nigerian footballers has missed out on successive World Cup tournaments.
Ademola Lookman was part of the side that lost to the DR Congo on penalties, ending hopes of featuring at the tournament. Lookman is the reigning African Footballer of the Year after scoring 20 goals for Atalanta in 2024/25.
Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup 😮 pic.twitter.com/97GOCT7ORQ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 16, 2025
Forward: Serhou Guirassy – Guinea
Our all-African forward line continues with Serhou Guirassy. The 29-year-old could not get Guinea to their first World Cup tournament, as the side finished a distant fourth in Group G. Guirassy, who has scored 45 goals in just 65 games for Borussia Dortmund, netted just twice in eight appearances.
Forward: Victor Osimhen – Nigeria
Arguably, the headline omission from Africa’s non-qualifiers. Victor Osimhen’s wait for a World Cup appearance continues as Nigeria botched their qualification campaign again.
The Super Eagles striker is the Champions League’s leading scorer (6) this season, though he misses out on the World Cup for a second straight edition.
Read –Â Five amazing moments from the international break
See more –Â The 42 nations to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far
