A string of major international talents will be watching the 2026 World Cup from home after failing to secure qualification for the tournament in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Foremost among the absentees is Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, the 37-year-old Barcelona striker whose international career may now be winding down following their 3-2 play-off loss to Sweden.

Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, despite a strong season since his £26m move to Manchester City, also misses out after the Azzurri were eliminated on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina. Meanwhile, Napoli title-winner Victor Osimhen and his Nigerian squad crashed out after drawing too many matches in their initial group phase, finishing behind South Africa.

Other notable absences include prolific Borussia Dortmund centre-forward Serhou Guirassy, whose Guinea side exited during the first round of African qualification. Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who finished 12th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or race, saw his nation struggle badly in a difficult qualifying group containing Spain. Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is also sidelined after Hungary conceded late goals against the Republic of Ireland.

These omissions underscore the brutal nature of international qualification pathways, even for players enjoying top form at elite European clubs. The absence of these established stars creates unexpected vacancies in the tournament rosters for the summer finals.