The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams. However, several high-profile players will be absent as their national teams failed to qualify. Notable absentees include England's Phil Foden, Poland's Robert Lewandowski, and Georgia's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
England, despite a strong squad, did not secure a spot in the tournament. Phil Foden, a key midfielder for Manchester City, will miss his first World Cup since his debut. Poland's Robert Lewandowski, the Barcelona striker and all-time leading scorer for his country, also saw his team eliminated during the qualification process. Georgia's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a rising star at Napoli, similarly failed to guide his nation to the finals.
Other notable players missing include Erling Haaland of Norway, who has yet to play in a World Cup, and Mohamed Salah of Egypt, whose team fell short in African qualifiers. The absence of these stars highlights the competitive nature of World Cup qualifying, where even top talents can be left out.
As of June 2026, the tournament schedule and qualified teams are confirmed, with the opening match scheduled for June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. Fans will miss seeing these players on the global stage, but the expanded format ensures a diverse field of competitors.
