Khaberni - Despite the historical increase in the number of teams in the 2026 World Cup, many of the top stars of the beautiful game will not be present on the biggest soccer stage next summer.
42 out of 48 teams qualified for the American World Cup, with shocking surprises and harsh news for teams that were looking to appear, and others that collapsed in the final meters, depriving their fans of seeing their stars under the global spotlight.
Although the World Cup remains an unmissable soccer event, a number of players who make a difference weekly with their clubs will spend next summer in front of screens instead of on the green pitch.
The Most Notable Absentees from the Upcoming World Cup
Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary was on the brink of reaching the playoffs, but a collapse against Ireland in the crucial moments ended everything. Szoboszlai played a strong game and wore the captain's armband, but Troy Parrott's two goals in the last 10 minutes secured the Irish the victory and a ticket to the playoffs.
Thus, the Liverpool star will be one of the most notable absentees at the World Cup, with Hungary continuing its absence from the World Cup since 1986.
Slovenian Benjamin Šeško
Despite his brilliance with Manchester United, Šeško could not lead Slovenia to the World Cup. Their 2-0 loss to Kosovo in the penultimate round ended all hopes.
The young striker still has a lot of opportunities in the future, but he has yet to prove that he is the "offensive leader" capable of helping his national team reach the World Cup.
Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo
Cameroon had another chance through the playoffs, but the defeat against the Democratic Republic of the Congo finally closed the door.
Mbeumo, who participated in 3 World Cup games in 2022, will not participate this time despite being in the best form with his club, and his absence is another disappointment for the "Indomitable Lions" and a loss for a talented striker ready to make a major impact.
Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
After a historic Euro and enchanting performance in the Champions League, everyone awaited the sight of Georgia's star on the World Cup stage.
But reality was harsh, Spain at the top, and Turkey defeating Georgia twice, depriving them of any chance, with Kvaratskhelia missing out on a tournament he could have starred in.
Serbian Dušan Vlahović
The team featuring Vlahović, Milinković-Savić, Tadić, and Mitrović.. is out of the World Cup. This constellation of stars and scorers recorded only 9 goals in 8 matches that shattered Serbia's dream.
Even changing the coach did not help Vlahović's teammates, confirming the absence of one of the best European strikers in recent years.
Nigerian Victor Osimhen
Changes in technical staff, administrative chaos, boycotts, and then the shocking end with a penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Osimhen, top scorer of Galatasaray and best African striker in recent years, will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time. He will be 31 years old at the 2030 World Cup, which may be his last real chance.
Guinean Serhou Guirassy
Shining in the Bundesliga and Champions League, yet unable to replicate with his national team. Guinea finished their group in fourth place with 15 points. However, Guirassy did not score any goal in the qualifiers, in one of the most bizarre goal drought stories.
