Several Big Names Miss Out as Their Nations Fail to Qualify for 2026 World Cup
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, a number of high‑profile footballers will be watching from home after their national teams failed to secure a place in the final tournament. Goal.com has highlighted some of the biggest stars who missed out on qualification.
Key Figures Who Won’t Be at the 2026 Finals
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia): The PSG winger, who played a major role in Georgia’s run to the Euro 2024 round of 16, will not feature in the World Cup after Georgia finished third in their qualifying group behind Spain and Turkey.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Despite scoring eight goals during qualifiers, Osimhen’s hopes were dashed when Nigeria lost to DR Congo in the CAF playoff.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): The Brentford forward played the full tie in Cameroon’s playoff, but a late winner for DR Congo ended the Indomitable Lions’ campaign.
Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia): Serbia failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2014, with their campaign culminating in a home defeat to England. Vlahovic only scored twice in the qualifiers.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary): The Liverpool star was visibly emotional as Hungary missed out on qualification in dramatic fashion, the team conceding late against Ireland in a crucial match.
Alexis Sánchez (Chile): The veteran forward will likely retire from international football without a return to the World Cup, as Chile ended bottom of their qualifying group.
Benjamin Sesko (Slovenia): Though a rising talent, Sesko could not help Slovenia qualify, he didn’t score or assist in their final qualifying campaign, and a knee injury derailed their hopes.
Keylor Navas (Costa Rica): The veteran goalkeeper came out of retirement to help Costa Rica’s qualifying bid but couldn’t prevent the team from finishing third in their group.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea): One of Europe’s most in-form strikers, Guirassy ended qualification with just one goal, as Guinea struggled and finished outside the top spots.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): The former Arsenal and Dortmund talisman scored seven goals, including a four-goal haul in one game — yet Gabon still missed out, sending his World Cup dreams further from reality.