Many Famous Football Players Might Miss the 2026 World Cup

Some very good football players might not be able to play in the 2026 World Cup. This is because their national teams are having trouble winning games to qualify, or the players are hurt. It is sad for players when they cannot play in such a big game.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

A number of prominent football players, including Neymar, Alexander Isak, and Bryan Mbeumo, face the genuine possibility of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This situation arises from their national teams' struggles in qualification matches, the timing of injuries, or the general strength of opposing squads. The World Cup represents a pinnacle for many athletes, and its absence can mark a significant point in their careers. The path to qualification is arduous, and for some, that road has already ended, while others remain in precarious positions heading into final playoff matches.

13 stars at risk of missing World Cup 2026 including Neymar, Alexander Isak and Bryan Mbeumo - 1

Qualification Stumbles and Upsetting Outcomes

Several nations, despite featuring world-class talent, have faltered in their bids to reach the tournament. These failures often stem from a combination of factors, including inconsistent performances and narrow defeats in crucial matches.

13 stars at risk of missing World Cup 2026 including Neymar, Alexander Isak and Bryan Mbeumo - 2

  • Denmark experienced late heartbreak in a qualification clash, losing their grip on a World Cup spot.

  • Hungary and Serbia are noted as missing out despite having talented players like Szoboszlai, Kerkez, and Vlahovic.

  • Slovenia, finishing third in their group, will not see players like Jan Oblak or Benjamin Sesko participate.

  • Nigeria faces the prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup after inconsistent qualification campaigns.

  • Gabon, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Chile, with Alexis Sánchez, have seen their World Cup hopes concluded.

  • Guinea, despite Serhou Guirassy, could not secure qualification.

Players Facing Uncertain Futures

The current landscape of World Cup qualification has placed several high-profile players in a position where their participation is far from guaranteed. This includes those whose national teams are in playoff scenarios or who are battling to overcome injuries.

Read More: Olympic Games Have Many Controversies and Scandals

13 stars at risk of missing World Cup 2026 including Neymar, Alexander Isak and Bryan Mbeumo - 3

  • Alexander Isak (Sweden) is listed as being at risk, with his national team's qualification path uncertain.

  • Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) finds himself in a similar predicament, with his team's qualification status hanging in the balance.

  • Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Arda Güler (Turkey), Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden), and Milan Škriniar (Slovakia) are among those who could feature in playoff matches for the final spots.

  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy) faces a potential World Cup absence, as Italy's qualification remains in doubt.

  • Neymar (Brazil), while there is hope for his availability, faces doubts due to his recovery from injury and Brazil's qualification status.

Injury Concerns and Squad Depth

Injuries represent a significant threat to any player's World Cup dreams. For some, the timing of their recovery could mean the tournament arrives too soon, jeopardizing their ability to contribute. Furthermore, the deep talent pools within some national teams can lead to difficult selection decisions for coaches.

Read More: Thomas Partey Denies Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

13 stars at risk of missing World Cup 2026 including Neymar, Alexander Isak and Bryan Mbeumo - 4

  • Players battling injuries may find their recovery timeline insufficient for the tournament.

  • Strong squads in countries like England might lead to top players being left out due to competition for places.

Nations and Key Figures Affected

The failure to qualify or the precarious playoff positions have direct implications for numerous nations and their star players. The expanded 48-team format for 2026 has not eliminated the possibility of major footballing countries missing out.

NationKey Player(s) at RiskReason for Risk
SwedenAlexander Isak, Viktor GyökeresUncertain qualification status, playoff pending
CameroonBryan MbeumoUncertain qualification status, playoff pending
ItalyGianluigi DonnarummaQualification doubts, playoff pending
PolandRobert LewandowskiPlayoff pending
SlovakiaMilan ŠkriniarPlayoff pending
TurkeyArda GülerPlayoff pending
SloveniaJan Oblak, Benjamin ŠeškoGroup stage elimination
HungaryDominik Szoboszlai, Milos KerkezGroup stage elimination
SerbiaDušan VlahovićGroup stage elimination
NigeriaVictor OsimhenGroup stage elimination
GabonPierre-Emerick AubameyangGroup stage elimination
ChileAlexis SánchezGroup stage elimination
GuineaSerhou GuirassyGroup stage elimination
BrazilNeymarInjury concerns, ongoing qualification
DenmarkKasper Schmeichel, Christian EriksenQualification setback, playoff potential

Expert Observations

Analysis of World Cup qualification trends suggests that the increased number of participating teams does not entirely mitigate the risk for established footballing nations. The playoff system, while offering a last chance, can be a high-pressure environment.

Read More: Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Sent Home From Olympics For Alcohol Issue

"For several of the game’s great and good, their World Cup dreams were crushed at the qualifying stage." (Article 2)

"The playoff loom over global stars like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Robert Lewandowski, Arda Güler, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Milan Skriniar." (Article 4)

Implications and Final Standings

The current situation indicates that the final list of teams for the 2026 World Cup will include notable absences. The remaining playoff matches are set to decide the last six spots, which will finalize the tournament's lineup. This phase is critical for players whose national teams are still in contention.

The 2026 World Cup qualification process has already eliminated several key players and national teams, with more potentially facing the same fate through playoff matches.

Sources

Read More: Pochettino Might Come Back to Tottenham, But Will Fans Wait?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why might famous players miss the 2026 World Cup?
Some players' national teams are not winning enough games to qualify for the World Cup. Others are hurt and might not recover in time.
Q: Which players are at risk?
Players like Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Alexander Isak, and Bryan Mbeumo are mentioned as being at risk.
Q: What happens if a team doesn't qualify?
If a team does not qualify, its players will not be able to play in the World Cup.
Q: Can injuries stop players from playing?
Yes, if a player is injured and does not get better in time for the World Cup, they cannot play.