As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, several high-profile players will be missing from the tournament due to injuries, retirements, or their national teams' failure to qualify. Here's a look at some of the biggest names who will not be featuring in North America next summer.
Key Absentees
- Erling Haaland (Norway): Despite his prolific scoring, Norway failed to qualify, leaving Haaland on the sidelines.
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Egypt's star winger will miss out after their qualification campaign fell short.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): The Belgian midfielder has announced his international retirement, ending his World Cup hopes.
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland): Poland did not secure a spot for the tournament, so Lewandowski will be absent.
- Paul Pogba (France): Currently serving a doping ban, the midfielder will not be available for France.
Injuries and Other Factors
- Neymar (Brazil): The forward is recovering from a serious knee injury and is unlikely to be fit in time.
- Mason Mount (England): A long-term injury has ruled him out of contention.
- Sergio Busquets (Spain): The veteran midfielder retired from international duty after the 2022 World Cup.
Impact on the Tournament
The absence of these star players will undoubtedly affect their teams' chances and the overall appeal of the event. However, it also opens opportunities for emerging talents to shine on the world stage. Fans will have to wait and see who steps up to fill the void.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a memorable tournament despite these missing stars.