The 2026 World Cup will arrive without a collection of high-profile players whose absence reflects qualification failures, managerial choices and underwhelming form. This piece examines those omissions using only the available facts.

Slovenia’s collapse in qualifying means Jan Oblak could finish his career without a World Cup appearance. Slovenia failed to qualify for the first time since 2010 and Oblak will be 37 by 2030. The draft noted signs that his once exceptional consistency has dissipated, though he remains Slovenia’s No. 1 for the immediate future.

Serbia missed automatic qualification and its campaign produced just nine goals in eight qualifiers. Dragan Stojković resigned last October and Veljko Paunović took over. Dušan Vlahović scored twice in qualifying and the side missed second place by one point to Albania. Compatibility issues between Vlahović and Aleksandar Mitrović were cited as factors.

Germany left Karim Adeyemi at home. Nagelsmann’s decision matters because Adeyemi, at Borussia Dortmund, offers genuine pace and a threat in behind—qualities distinct from Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, Deniz Undav and Maximilian Beier. His goalscoring record is not strong, but his profile is unique within the squad.

France omitted Eduardo Camavinga. The Real Madrid midfielder has struggled for form this term, and the “dire club campaign” may persuade him to leave Madrid.

England manager Thomas Tuchel selected Reece James, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence at right back, leaving out Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alexander-Arnold had a difficult debut season at Real Madrid, struggled for a regular starting place and faced increased scrutiny over defensive vulnerabilities.

Italy’s failure to qualify saw an emotional playoff final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card; Sandro Tonali scored in the playoff semifinal. Inter teammate Nicoló Barella and others including Bastoni, Federico Dimarco, Manuel Locatelli and Riccardo Calafiori will watch from home.

Other notable absentees include Sehou Guirassy for Guinea, Ademola Lookman after Nigeria’s disastrous campaign, Benjamin Šeško with Slovenia, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden after dips in form, João Pedro despite 23 goals for Chelsea, Bryan Mbeumo with Cameroon eliminated by DR Congo, Robert Lewandowski after Poland’s playoff defeat to Sweden, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria missing out, and Gianluigi Donnarumma who failed to save any of four penalties in the Bosnia shootout.

Each omission alters the tournament’s shape and underlines how qualification, selection and form determine World Cup participation.

Right back is one of the clearest problem positions in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. With a summer World Cup approaching, the manager faces limited choices and few guaranteed solutions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold missing out on the 2026 World Cup would have seemed unfathomable a year or so ago. The former Liverpool man was widely regarded as one of the best right backs of his generation because of his elite passing range and crossing ability, despite lingering questions over his defensive frailties. His move to Real Madrid has altered that narrative. What was meant to be a career-defining transfer has instead been difficult: the England international has struggled for consistent starts and his defensive issues have come under an even harsher spotlight in the pressure cooker environment of the Santiago Bernabéu. Injuries certainly have not helped, and few will be surprised he did not make the final cut.

Ben White and Rico Lewis were perhaps the next-best alternatives among those who missed out, but in truth neither did enough over the course of the season to force their way into Tuchel’s plans.

Tino Livramento presents a different profile. The former Chelsea youngster brings a natural attacking instinct, regularly bursting forward, overlapping at pace and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Those attributes make him, on paper, a strong fit for Tuchel’s preferred style. He is also no liability defensively, offering a well-rounded presence on the flank. Livramento has shown versatility too, alternating between right back and left back duties for Newcastle during Lewis Hall’s injury absence.

The obvious caveat is fitness. Livramento has suffered a range of problems this term, including knee, hamstring and thigh issues, and missed a large portion of the campaign. That record makes him a risk at a tournament where minutes must be managed carefully, and it is likely Tuchel will monitor his workload closely if he is called upon.

Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement has prompted sharp debate over England’s midfield composition. The depth of options is clear, but several high-profile omissions and a handful of trusted inclusions have defined the list.

Cole Palmer is the absence attracting most attention. Once considered a near-certain pick for North America, an injury-hit start to the 2025–26 campaign interrupted his rhythm. He never fully recovered amid the chaos at Stamford Bridge and has been brutally axed by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.

Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White was also left out despite a remarkable goalscoring campaign; the 26-year-old appeared to have hit form at the perfect time. Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another notable absentee. Deeper in midfield, Adam Wharton’s omission surprised many after another fine season at Crystal Palace. Strong campaigns from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Everton’s James Garner likewise went unrewarded.

Conor Gallagher and Curtis Jones, who have featured in previous squads, were judged not convincing enough this time. James Maddison never stood a chance after missing almost the entirety of the term through injury.

Jordan Henderson’s selection has drawn widespread ire. The 35-year-old is not even a guaranteed starter for Brentford, yet Tuchel has included him for his off-field character and leadership. “He’s unlikely to see too much game time, but he’s a valuable presence in the dressing room.” Whether that presence justifies a place is open to debate.

Among those who did make the cut, Kobbie Mainoo’s technical ability and progressive ball-carrying mark him out as a valuable midfield option after his Euro 2024 breakthrough. Ruben Amorim’s handling of the Manchester United youngster briefly threatened his place, but Michael Carrick’s subsequent reinvigoration returned him to consideration.

Eberechi Eze, typically deployed on the left wing for England but by trade an attacking midfielder, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, a powerful and direct attacking option, offer distinct profiles. Elliot Anderson’s early England impact suggested he can bridge defence and attack, providing the kind of transitional mettle England may need at a major tournament.