As the 2026 World Cup draws near, the tournament set to unfold across the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be missing a host of stellar names—not because of injuries, but due to the cold calculations of head coaches. Marca has compiled a startling list of players who, despite their pedigree and form, have been left out of the final squads of the top favorites. From Euro 2024 winners to World Cup veterans, the omissions read like a who's who of football's elite, raising questions about loyalty, tactics, and the ruthless nature of international selection.
Spain's Luis de la Fuente, fresh off a European Championship triumph, made several eyebrow-raising calls. Among the absentees are Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, both starters in that victorious campaign. Carvajal, the Real Madrid right-back, offered experience and defensive steel, while Le Normand’s consistency at the back seemed a safe bet. Also left behind were goalkeeper Álex Remiro, center-back Dean Huijsen, and versatile defenders like Cristhian Mosquera and Alejandro Balde, as well as winger Bryan Espí. De la Fuente appears to be banking on younger, more dynamic alternatives, a risky move that could backfire if Spain's defense shows cracks.
Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann has also wielded the axe, discarding several figures from the 2022 World Cup squad. Thilo Kehrer, Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi, and the burly striker Niclas Füllkrug all miss out. Füllkrug, in particular, was a fan favorite and a reliable goalscorer in Qatar, making his exclusion a talking point. The decision signals a clear shift towards a new generation, with Nagelsmann placing faith in less-proven but pacey attackers. Yet, the absence of Füllkrug’s aerial threat and Brandt’s creativity could haunt them in tight knockout games.
Belgium’s new era under Rudi Garcia got off to a controversial start with the omission of Ajax winger Mika Godts, a decision that sparked immediate debate. Alongside Godts, seasoned campaigners like Yannick Carrasco, Loïs Openda, and Roméo Lavia were also overlooked. Garcia’s selection hints at a rebuild, but leaving out such attacking flair and midfield grit seems a gamble for a squad already transitioning from its golden generation.
In Brazil, the samba rhythm will be without some familiar faces. Rodrygo’s injury ruled him out beforehand, but the coaching staff’s decision to leave out Richarlison, the team’s starting number nine in 2022, raised eyebrows. Joao Pedro, heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, and Manchester United’s Antony also failed to make the cut, as did Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. Brazil’s attack remains lethal, yet discarding a proven tournament striker like Richarlison could deprive them of a game-changing presence in the box.
France’s Didier Deschamps omitted defenders Castello Lukeba and Benoît Badiashile, along with veteran winger Kingsley Coman. Two legends, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema, had already retired from international football, ending any speculation. Deschamps appears to be freshening up his defensive options, but the squad's lack of Coman’s pace on the flanks might be felt against parked buses.
England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel wasted no time in causing a stir. His first World Cup selection was met with widespread disbelief, as multiple members of the Three Lions’ deep talent pool were ignored. Though no names were released in the immediate aftermath, sources suggest that a full starting XI of high-quality absentees could be assembled, featuring players who were integral to recent qualification campaigns. The decision to shake things up so drastically is either a masterstroke or a recipe for discord.
The Netherlands, under Ronald Koeman, also left fans scratching their heads. Speedster Jeremie Frimpong, center-back Matthijs de Ligt, and young midfielder Kian Smit were all omitted. Frimpong’s attacking verve from wing-back and De Ligt’s ball-playing ability would have added another dimension, but Koeman opted for a more conservative blend. With the Dutch often criticized for lacking defensive solidity, the exclusion of a proven performer like De Ligt could come under intense scrutiny.
Portugal’s Roberto Martinez, known for his expansive squads, still managed to leave out notable attackers Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho, as well as experienced goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. With an embarrassment of riches in attack, Martinez clearly felt he could afford to be choosy, but Gonçalves’ creative spark has often been the difference in clutch moments, and Lopes’ experience could have been an asset in a grueling tournament.
Uruguay, guided by the eccentric Marcelo Bielsa, will adopt a direct, high-intensity approach, and that vision meant leaving out players who could have formed a formidable front three and a rugged midfield. Bielsa’s philosophy values system over individual, so even talented names were sacrificed. The risk is that when Plan A falters, there may be no game-changing talent to turn to from the bench.
Finally, Argentina, the defending champions, saw coach Lionel Scaloni overlook left-back Marcos Acuña, defender Marcos Senesi, playmaker Emiliano Buendía, and the highly rated youngster Franco Mastantuono. Acuña’s exclusion was particularly contentious given his past heroics. Buendía’s strong club season wasn’t enough to displace the old guard, and Mastantuono’s dip in form cost him. Scaloni’s loyalty to his seasoned core is understandable, but it also risks stagnation at a time when rivals are refreshing their ranks.
In total, the roll call of absentees across these ten title contenders paints a picture of brutal competition and the narrowing margins faced by even elite players. Coaches are increasingly prioritizing tactical fit and future potential over reputation, a trend that could either yield a new wave of stars or leave them ruing what might have been. As the first whistle approaches, these decisions will be placed under the microscope, and success—or failure—will be the ultimate judge. Based on reporting from Marca.
