Forty-two nations have already booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, the primary version of the event to be staged throughout three international locations and the primary to characteristic 48 groups. Nonetheless, a number of world-class stars is not going to be making the journey to North America, with PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai among the many most beneficial gamers set to overlook the competitors.
Solely six spots stay for the 2026 World Cup, and groups certified by UEFA and intercontinental playoffs will battle for these locations within the March 2026 worldwide window. Extra top-tier names, together with gamers from Italy and Turkey, might be a part of the checklist, however with the group stage of all confederation qualifiers now full, a number of main stars have already been eradicated.
Who’re the most costly stars that’ll miss the World Cup?
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – €90M
With a market worth of €90 million (Transfermarkt), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is essentially the most useful participant who will miss the 2026 World Cup. Georgia completed third in Group E behind Spain and Turkey with simply three factors, falling wanting a playoff berth and leaving the PSG winger out of the event.
Dominik Szoboszlai – €85M
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai can be among the many most beneficial gamers sidelined from the World Cup. In a dramatic Group F end, Hungary collapsed in opposition to Eire, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat trick in a surprising comeback that despatched Hungary down to 3rd place and out of competition.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary reacts after dropping in opposition to Republic of Eire.
Victor Osimhen – €75M
Victor Osimhen, the present main scorer within the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, may also miss the World Cup. DR Congo secured qualification in opposition to Nigeria in a tense playoff selected penalties after a 1–1 draw by 120 minutes, a match during which Osimhen squandered a transparent likelihood to ship the Tremendous Eagles by.
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Benjamin Sesko – €70M
Benjamin Sesko is one other star striker who received’t be heading to the World Cup within the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Slovenia ended its UEFA qualifying marketing campaign with 4 factors from six matches and no wins, ending behind group leaders Switzerland and Kosovo.
Bryan Mbeumo €70M
Bryan Mbeumo is one other Premier League standout who will miss the World Cup. Together with Nigeria, Cameroon fell to DR Congo within the CAF semifinal playoffs, dropping 1–0 as Mbeumo’s aspect was eradicated simply shy of the ultimate qualifying stage.
