FIFA World Cup: From Lewandowski to Maguire, 10 big names who will miss the tournament

Robert Lewandowski's dream of playing the World Cup for one last time was over as Poland failed to qualify but he is not the only big name who will be watching the tournament from home.

Who are the big stars missing from the FIFA World Cup 2026? AFP

FP Sports Desk|May 28, 2026, 16:19:46 IST

FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring the best players of the world in North America for the grandest such tournament ever. The competition has been expanded to 48 teams, paving way for top players from smaller footballing nations to also take part in the World Cup.

Stars like Ronaldo and Messi will headline the star power at the World Cup but there are also some big names who are missing. For some players, injury has derailed their World Cup while some have been dropped. Some names also have missed out because their national teams have failed to qualify.

Check out the 10 biggest names who are missing the 2026 World Cup.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Poland missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup which means Lewandowski, one of the greatest strikers of this era, will not be able to compete in what would have been his final World Cup.

Harry Maguire (England)

A veteran of the last two World Cups, Maguire was left out by Thomas Tuchel from the England squad. Despite a decent club season and his leadership skills, he missed out with Tuchel opting for other names.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)

Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Donnarumma will not be able to show his skills as the World Cup as Italy failed to qualify for the third straight tournament.

Sandro Tonali (Italy)

Italy's World Cup curse also keeps Tonali away from the tournament. One of the most promising midfielders in the world continues to be away from the biggest football competition due to his team's failure.

Rodrygo (Brazil)

A star forward for Real Madrid, Rodrygo's flair will be missed at the World Cup as he suffered a serious ACL injury in March 2026 and was ruled out for the entire year.

Viktor Osimhen (Nigeria)

One of Africa’s biggest strikers will not be seen at the World Cup because Nigeria had a disappointing qualifying campaign and failed to reach the tournament.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)

One of the most exciting and skillful wingers in world football, Kvaratskhelia has been a key part of PSG's continental treble in 2025. Georgia too have failed to qualify and that leaves Kvaratskhelia out of the tournament.

Hugo Ekitike (France)

A fast-rising French forward who had an excellent season at Liverpool, Ekitike was in line for a spot in the French side but ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the World Cup due to long-term injury.

Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

A highly talented attacking midfielder, Simons was expected to be a key figure in the Netherlands squad. However, he suffered a ruptured ACL in April 2026 and was ruled out for the season.