World Cup 2026: 5️⃣ big absentees from this summer's tournament
· Yahoo Sports
Every World Cup creates unforgettable stories, but it also leaves behind major disappointments. Whether through failed qualification, injury or controversial selection calls, some of football’s biggest nations and stars will be absent from the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Italy
No absence is bigger than Italy. The four-time world champions have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, an almost unthinkable collapse for one of football’s historic giants. The Azzurri were beaten on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA play-offs after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card proved costly in a dramatic defeat.
Italy’s failure is even more shocking given the expanded 48-team format, which many believed would guarantee qualification. Injuries also damaged their campaign, while two defeats to an in-form Norway secured their second-place finish.
Despite talented players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali and Federico Dimarco, Italy once again fell short under immense pressure. For younger football fans, an entire generation may grow up without seeing Italy at a World Cup.
Nigeria
📸 SEBASTIEN BOZON - AFP or licensors
Nigeria’s absence is another enormous disappointment for the tournament. The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s biggest footballing nations, but a poor qualifying campaign saw them narrowly miss out on a place in North America. Dropped points in crucial away fixtures ultimately proved costly, despite the squad containing several players competing at Europe’s top clubs.
Victor Osimhen was expected to lead Nigeria into the tournament after another prolific club season, while Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface added further attacking quality. On paper, Nigeria arguably possessed one of the strongest squads in African qualifying, making their failure even more surprising.
The Super Eagles have long been one of the World Cup’s most entertaining sides, reaching the knockout stages on three occasions and producing iconic players such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and John Obi Mikel. Their pace, flair and attacking football will undoubtedly be missed this summer.
Fermín López (Spain)
Spain may arrive at the World Cup among the favourites, but they will do so without one of their most exciting midfielders. Barcelona star Fermín López was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fractured foot that required surgery following a La Liga match against Real Betis.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a sensational season under Hansi Flick, registering 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. His energy, late runs into the box and relentless pressing made him a unique option in Spain’s midfield. López had also impressed during World Cup qualifying and was expected to play a major role for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Spain possess enormous depth, but losing a player capable of adding goals and intensity from midfield is still a major blow heading into the tournament.
Xavi Simons (Netherlands)
The Netherlands will also be missing one of their brightest attacking talents after Xavi Simons suffered a devastating ACL injury shortly before the tournament. The Tottenham Hotspur playmaker injured his knee during a Premier League match against Wolves, immediately ruling him out of the World Cup.
Simons had become a central figure under Ronald Koeman thanks to his creativity, dribbling and ability to operate between midfield and attack. Still only 23, he already had more than 30 international caps and was expected to be one of the Netherlands’ key creative players this summer.
Koeman described the injury as “dramatic” for both player and country, while Dutch fans immediately feared the team would lose some of its attacking unpredictability without him.
Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina)
One of the more controversial potential absentees is Alejandro Garnacho. Despite his explosive talent at Manchester United, the winger faces fierce competition for places in Argentina’s attacking squad. Lionel Scaloni has often prioritised tactical balance and defensive work-rate over individual flair, meaning Garnacho could narrowly miss out despite a strong club season.
The 21-year-old is among football’s most exciting young wingers, capable of stretching defences with pace and fearless dribbling. His ability to create chaos in one-versus-one situations makes him a perfect impact substitute in tournament football.
If omitted, Garnacho would become one of the biggest surprise exclusions of the 2026 World Cup squad announcements.