As the excitement for the upcoming World Cup builds, a cloud of disappointment hangs over some of the sport’s brightest talents, who will not get to showcase their skills on the grand stage. This article highlights a formidable lineup of players from nations that failed to qualify, yet their individual prowess remains undeniable.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Goalkeeper, Italy)
The 27-year-old goalkeeper and captain of Italy is often hailed as one of the finest in the game today. Following a notable transfer to Manchester City, he has rapidly adjusted to the demands of the Premier League, showcasing his ball-playing abilities that he refined during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his heroics in the Euro 2020 final, where he saved crucial penalties, Donnarumma could not prevent Italy from missing out on the World Cup after a tough playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Jon Aramburu (Right-Back, Venezuela)
The 23-year-old defender gained recognition for his outstanding performance in the 2024 Copa América, where he excelled in both left-back and right-back roles, a versatility that any coach would appreciate. His tenacious defensive style and relentless work ethic have made him a vital contributor for Real Sociedad. However, despite his significant contributions, Venezuela fell short in qualifying for the World Cup inter-confederation playoffs by just two points.
Edmond Tapsoba (Central Defence, Burkina Faso)
Playing for Bayer Leverkusen, Tapsoba has made a name for himself as one of Europe’s top ball-playing defenders, playing a pivotal role in his team’s domestic success under coach Xabi Alonso during the 2023-2024 season. The 27-year-old is praised for his calm demeanor and impressive range of passing. Unfortunately, despite his remarkable form, Burkina Faso could not secure a spot in their first World Cup.
Riccardo Calafiori (Central Defence, Italy)
After a stellar season with Bologna, Calafiori transferred to Arsenal in 2024, making a memorable debut with a spectacular goal against Manchester City. His versatility as a defender was crucial to Arsenal’s title triumph this year, making him only the third Italian to earn a Premier League medal. Following Italy’s failure to qualify, Calafiori will spend the summer reflecting on this disappointment, albeit with club silverware to his name.
Milos Kerkez (Left-Back, Hungary)
At just 22, the Liverpool defender is recognized for his dynamic forward runs and exceptional crossing ability, embodying the modern attacking full-back. Since his time at Bournemouth, Kerkez has consistently delivered strong performances in the Premier League, yet Hungary’s campaign ended in disappointment as they finished third in their group, dominated by Portugal.
Carlos Baleba (Central Defensive Midfield, Cameroon)
Emerging as a key figure in Brighton’s midfield, Baleba has drawn comparisons to some of the best defensive midfielders in the game. His ability to disrupt opposing plays and transition quickly has made him an invaluable player for both club and country. Despite his growing reputation and physical dominance, this talented young midfielder will miss the World Cup.
Marcelino Núñez (Midfield, Chile)
Núñez has become the creative force for both Ipswich and the Chilean national team. Renowned for his vision and prowess on set pieces, he injects much-needed technical skill into the midfield. As Chile’s golden generation fades, Núñez emerges as a vital link to the future of La Roja.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Midfield, Hungary)
As Liverpool struggled during their title defense, Szoboszlai stood out as one of the few bright spots, known for his exceptional set-piece abilities, including remarkable goals against Arsenal and Manchester City this season. Serving as captain and the creative heartbeat of Hungary, his absence will be felt in the tournament, especially given his contributions of five goals in six qualifying matches, as Hungary continued their 40-year absence from the finals.
Following his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, Lookman became a hot topic in transfer discussions in 2024, attracting interest from numerous clubs due to his explosive speed and finishing skills. He also shone at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, earning accolades as Nigeria’s standout player with three goals and four assists, yet the Super Eagles faced disappointment by missing consecutive World Cups for the first time since 1990.
Victor Osimhen (Striker, Nigeria)
Recognized as one of the most lethal strikers in the game, Osimhen poses a challenge for even the most formidable defenders. Currently leading the attack at Galatasaray after several failed transfer attempts, he remains a prolific scorer, netting eight goals during the qualifiers. However, his absence from five qualifying matches due to injury raised questions about Nigeria’s missed opportunities in those games.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Winger, Georgia)
The 25-year-old winger joined Paris Saint-Germain with a reputation for his unselfish play and work ethic. Capable of altering the course of a match with a single moment of brilliance, he has consistently risen to the occasion during European competitions and is now a two-time Champions League champion. Despite his two goals in qualifying, Georgia finished far behind in their group.
Honorable mentions include Jan Oblak (Slovenia), Illia Zabarnyi (Ukraine), Matty Cash (Poland), Konstantinos Karetsas (Greece), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Christian Eriksen (Denmark), Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), and Robert Lewandowski (Poland).
