Each World Cup creates unforgettable tales, nevertheless it additionally leaves behind main disappointments. Whether or not by failed qualification, harm or controversial choice calls, a few of soccer’s greatest nations and stars can be absent from the 2026 match in the US, and .
No absence is greater than Italy. The four-time world champions have now didn’t qualify for 3 consecutive World Cups, an virtually unthinkable collapse for one in all soccer’s historic giants. The Azzurri had been crushed on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina within the UEFA play-offs after ’s purple card proved expensive in a dramatic defeat.
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Italy’s failure is much more stunning given the expanded 48-team format, which many believed would assure qualification. Accidents additionally broken their marketing campaign, whereas two defeats to an in-form secured their second-place end.
Regardless of gifted gamers like , and , Italy as soon as once more fell brief below immense strain. For youthful soccer followers, a complete technology might develop up with out seeing Italy at a World Cup.
📸 SEBASTIEN BOZON – AFP or licensors
Nigeria’s absence is one other monumental disappointment for the match. The Tremendous Eagles stay one in all Africa’s greatest footballing nations, however a poor qualifying marketing campaign noticed them narrowly miss out on a spot in North America. Dropped factors in essential away fixtures finally proved expensive, regardless of the squad containing a number of gamers competing at Europe’s prime golf equipment.
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was anticipated to steer Nigeria into the match after one other prolific membership season, whereas and added additional attacking high quality. On paper, Nigeria arguably possessed one of many strongest squads in African qualifying, making their failure much more stunning.
The Tremendous Eagles have lengthy been one of many World Cup’s most entertaining sides, reaching the knockout levels on three events and producing iconic gamers equivalent to Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and . Their tempo, aptitude and attacking soccer will undoubtedly be missed this summer season.
Spain might arrive on the World Cup among the many favourites, however they’ll accomplish that with out one in all their most enjoyable midfielders. star Fermín López was dominated out of the match after struggling a fractured foot that required surgical procedure following a La Liga match towards .
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The 23-year-old loved a sensational season below Hansi Flick, registering 13 objectives and 17 assists in 48 appearances throughout all competitions. His power, late runs into the field and relentless urgent made him a novel choice in Spain’s midfield. López had additionally impressed throughout World Cup qualifying and was anticipated to play a significant function for Luis de la Fuente’s facet.
Spain possess monumental depth, however dropping a participant able to including objectives and depth from midfield remains to be a significant blow heading into the match.
The Netherlands may even be lacking one in all their brightest attacking abilities after Xavi Simons suffered a devastating ACL harm shortly earlier than the match. The playmaker injured his knee throughout a Premier League match towards , instantly ruling him out of the World Cup.
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Simons had grow to be a central determine below Ronald Koeman because of his creativity, dribbling and talent to function between midfield and assault. Nonetheless solely 23, he already had greater than 30 worldwide caps and was anticipated to be one of many Netherlands’ key inventive gamers this summer season.
Koeman described the harm as “dramatic” for each participant and nation, whereas Dutch followers instantly feared the crew would lose a few of its attacking unpredictability with out him.
One of many extra controversial potential absentees is Alejandro Garnacho. Regardless of his explosive expertise at , the winger faces fierce competitors for locations in Argentina’s attacking squad. Lionel Scaloni has usually prioritised tactical steadiness and defensive work-rate over particular person aptitude, that means Garnacho might narrowly miss out regardless of a powerful membership season.
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The 21-year-old is amongst soccer’s most enjoyable younger wingers, able to stretching defences with tempo and fearless dribbling. His capability to create chaos in one-versus-one conditions makes him an ideal affect substitute in match soccer.
If omitted, Garnacho would grow to be one of many greatest shock exclusions of the 2026 World Cup squad bulletins.