Italy, Nigeria exits and injuries sideline stars from 2026 World Cup

Several high-profile players will not feature at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America after a mix of qualifying failures and serious injuries thinned the field ahead of the 48-team tournament in June and July. Italy’s continued absence and Nigeria’s playoff exit headline the list, ruling out Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The omissions cut across Europe and Africa and are set to shift selection plans for several contenders.

Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski also miss out, while injuries have reshaped plans for France, Brazil and the Netherlands, sidelining Hugo Ekitike, Estevao, Rodrygo and Xavi Simons.

Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup removes one of the game’s traditional powers from the stage. A playoff shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina sealed the Azzurri’s fate, extending a finals drought that dates back to their last appearance in 2014. Poland also fell short in qualifying, preventing veteran striker Lewandowski from adding another World Cup to his distinguished international career.

Nigeria’s hopes ended in the African playoffs with a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result, two of Africa’s most in-form attackers, Osimhen and Lookman, will not travel to North America. Georgia’s campaign also fell short in European qualifying, leaving Kvaratskhelia—one of Europe’s most dangerous wide players—still waiting for a World Cup debut after a breakout Euro 2024.

Injuries have hit several contenders. France forward Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon in April, cutting short a prolific club season and ending his World Cup bid. The Netherlands will be without Simons due to an ACL injury, while Brazil lose two attacking options with teenager Estevao sidelined by a hamstring problem and Rodrygo ruled out by a torn meniscus and ACL.

Qualification setbacks remove European and African stars

Italy’s third straight World Cup absence

Italy’s shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs confirmed a third straight World Cup miss for the four-time champions. The absence of first-choice goalkeeper Donnarumma and midfielder Tonali underscores the scale of the setback for a nation accustomed to contending at major tournaments.

Nigeria fall in CAF playoffs

Nigeria missed out after a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo ended their qualifying run. The Super Eagles now miss consecutive finals for the first time in decades, keeping Osimhen and Lookman—two of the continent’s most productive forwards—off the World Cup stage.

Georgia and Poland also out

Georgia’s push for a first-ever World Cup berth fell short in European qualifying, meaning Kvaratskhelia remains without an appearance at the tournament. Poland’s elimination closes what was likely Lewandowski’s final opportunity to play at another World Cup, despite his record-breaking scoring feats at international level.

Injuries force changes for France, Netherlands and Brazil

Ekitike’s Achilles rupture ends World Cup bid

France’s forward pool loses depth after Ekitike’s Achilles injury in April. His strong club form had moved him into contention, but the long-term setback ended any prospect of a World Cup call-up.

Simons’ ACL blow hits Dutch creativity

The Netherlands are deprived of a versatile creator in Simons, whose ACL injury interrupts his development during a key stage of his career. His absence forces adjustments in attacking roles and squad balance.

Brazil without Estevao and Rodrygo

Brazil’s coaches must look deeper into an already competitive group of wide forwards and second strikers after losing Estevao to a hamstring injury and Rodrygo to a torn meniscus and ACL. The dual absence reshapes selection choices across Brazil’s front line.

The absences of these names will open doors for emerging players as final squad announcements near. Coaches are expected to lean on depth and adaptability to cover gaps, with the expanded 48-team format likely to showcase new storylines across the United States, Canada and Mexico.