Osimhen headlines top 10 footballers who failed to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen is not the only big name star missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

Here is our list of the top 10 players who will not be playing for their countries in the USA, Mexico, and Canada in June.

Osimhen is one of the world's deadliest strikers, and a real miss for fans in the USA, Mexico, and Canada this summer.

The 27-year-old has been in sensational form for Galatasaray since his big-money permanent move from Napoli. Yet he will miss his second successive World Cup after Nigeria’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final.

Lookman is widely regarded as Nigeria's second best player and one of the most gifted wingers in football.

The Atletico Madrid man was in fantastic form at the 2025 AFCON, but will be gutted at missing out on a chance to display his skills at the World Cup.

The tireless engine of the Azzurri midfield drove Italy’s campaign with his trademark intensity and vision, but it wasn’t enough.

Italy suffered agonising penalty-shootout heartbreak against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the UEFA playoff final, extending their World Cup absence to three tournaments.

Widely considered one of the best centre-backs on the planet for his elegance and defensive reading, Bastoni’s leadership was central to Italy’s hopes.

He will be gutted after his sending-off against Bosnia, and the same penalty heartbreak that eliminated the Azzurri will rob the tournament of his composure at the back.

Donnarumma has grown into arguably the world's best shot-stopper, maintaining that incredible level since joining Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City from PSG.

However, the Italy captain could do nothing as Bosnia converted the decisive penalties that sent Italy crashing out in the playoff final.

At 37, the all-time great striker faces the bitter end of his international career without another World Cup.

Like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another transcendent talent from a nation with limited football pedigree Lewandowski bows out as Poland failed to qualify, denying fans one last glimpse of his lethal finishing on the biggest stage.

The in-form forward, who switched allegiance to the Indomitable Lions, was desperate for a World Cup debut after his strong Premier League form.

Cameroon’s elimination in the later stages of African qualifying left Mbeumo devastated, robbing the tournament of an electric forward.

The electrifying PSG winger continues to dazzle with his dribbling and flair, yet Georgia could not navigate the tough European playoff route.

One of Europe’s most exciting attackers will once again watch the World Cup from home.

Liverpool’s elegant captain and midfield orchestrator brings vision, long-range shooting and leadership wherever he plays.

Hungary fell short in a competitive European qualifying path, meaning the tournament loses one of the game’s most stylish playmakers.

The powerful and clinical Juventus striker carried Serbia’s attacking burden almost single-handedly with his aerial ability and finishing.

Serbia’s failure to qualify means fans will miss seeing one of Europe’s most imposing No. 9s at the finals.