Best eleven of players who will not participate in the 2026 World Cup

The November worldwide break was full of moments of jubilation: overhead kicks, last-gasp winners and the same old thumping. Nonetheless, in between the fun got here the heartbreaking realization that that they had missed out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

For a lot of gamers, this was their final probability to achieve soccer’s greatest stage, solely to see it snatched away from them as soon as once more. After Troy Parrott’s heroics, Scotland are nonetheless in occasion mode and Eire could also be making ready for the play-offs, however one wonders what would have been for the likes of Hungary and Nigeria.

Because the match approaches, among the world’s most spectacular stars are confronted with the heart-breaking activity of getting their fates determined and watching from dwelling as their membership teammates do issues they will solely dream of subsequent summer time.

From Viktor Osimhen to Dominik Szoboszlai, we have put collectively one of the best XI of gamers who might miss out on the 2026 World Cup.

goalkeeper and protection

GK: Jan Black (Slovenia & Atlético Madrid) – As a part of Slovenia’s disastrous qualification run, Jan Oblak might solely watch on as his aspect picked up simply 4 factors from six group video games towards Switzerland, Kosovo and Sweden.

On the finish of qualifying, the rankings had been shut, with Kosovo in second place with 11 factors and Slovenia in third place.

RB: Ola Aina (Nigeria & Nottingham Forest) – If Oblak’s scenario was irritating, Ola Aina’s scenario reached an entire new stage throughout the worldwide break. The proper-back has been tormented by accidents just lately and will solely watch as Nigeria had been eradicated in a disastrous penalty shootout.

Tremendous Eagles supervisor Eric Schell restricted his penalty choices by having attacking gamers despatched off and enduring a shootout earlier than struggling the implications.

CB: Vili Orbán (Hungary & RB Leipzig) – As Parrott drove away to rejoice towards Eire, Willi Orbán was among the many Hungarian gamers heartbroken by the late defeat.

That they had the fortune of a World Cup, nevertheless it was taken away from them within the harshest approach potential. The RB Leipzig man is now 33 years previous and should by no means get the prospect to play within the match.

CB: Nikola Milenkovic (Serbia & Nottingham Forest) – The truth that Serbia additionally has a gifted defender like Nikola Milenkovic at their disposal additional confuses Serbia’s struggles, however that sums up his season. The Nottingham Forest star struggled to repeat final season’s type at membership stage, which he has now used to interrupt out together with his nation.

LB: Milos Kerkez (Hungary & Liverpool) – It has been a tough season for Milos Kerkes. The left-back has did not impress at Liverpool and was just lately dethroned by Andy Robertson. Now, his World Cup desires have been shattered and they’re slowly however certainly turning right into a nightmare.

midfield

CM: Carlos Baleva (Cameron & Brighton) – Carlos Baleva is undoubtedly destined for giant issues, however the world stage must look forward to him after Cameroon had been eradicated within the qualifying spherical towards the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder nonetheless has alternatives in his future, which might coincide with a formidable transfer at membership stage.

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary & Liverpool) – Szoboszlai was left speechless by Parrott’s late winner. The Hungarian captain would have set his sights on the World Cup when his crew took the lead earlier than half-time.

However simply 45 minutes later, he noticed his desires brutally torn aside. Szoboszlai, who has been a uncommon standout participant for Liverpool this season and infrequently led Hungary to victory, has actually struggled.

RM: Brian Mbeumo (Cameroon & Manchester United) – Like Belaba, his worldwide teammate and potential membership teammate sooner or later, Brian Mbeumo may also miss the 2026 World Cup.

When he was on the peak of his powers and the whole lot was beginning to come collectively at Outdated Trafford, there would have been loads of hope throughout Cameroon that the winger might qualify. However in the long run, that they had hassle marking the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

LM: Khvitya Kvaratskhelia (Georgia & PSG) – As gifted as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is, Georgia had been all the time more likely to lose in World Cup qualifying. They completed in third place in Group E, with Spain and Turkey occupying the highest two spots, and with only one win out of six video games, they had been pressured to accept third place, forward of Bulgaria.

assault

ST: Victor Osimhen (Nigalia & Galasalize) – Lately, the largest stage has continued to overhaul Osimhen. Since falling out with Napoli, he has performed most of his membership soccer for Galatasaray, regardless of persistent rumors about his hyperlinks with Europe’s greatest golf equipment and leagues. Now, he’ll miss out on the World Cup, and after being substituted, he did not even get a penalty as Nigeria had been eradicated.

ST: Selhou Guirassi (Guinea & Borussia Dortmund) – Selhou Guirassi is among the most spectacular strikers in European soccer. He has been a constant star participant within the Bundesliga lately, however he will not get the prospect to do the identical for Guinea subsequent summer time. His crew completed 4th in Group G regardless of shedding solely 3 out of 10 video games.

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