The 2026 FIFA World Cup will go ahead without several of the game’s biggest names after a series of qualification failures and injury concerns.

The expanded 48-team tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting in June 2026, will miss some global superstars who have lit up the game for over a decade.

Major Absentees Include:

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will miss the World Cup after Portugal failed to qualify.
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• Robert Lewandowski (Poland) — The prolific goal scorer and former Bayern Munich star will not be at the tournament following Poland’s elimination.
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• Mohamed Salah (Egypt) — Egypt failed to secure a ticket to the finals, meaning the Liverpool forward will sit out the biggest stage in football once again.
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• Harry Kane (England) — Although England qualified, recent injury setbacks have cast serious doubt on the captain’s ability to participate.
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• Kylian Mbappé (France) — Despite France’s strong qualification, the Real Madrid star is battling a long-term injury that could rule him out of the competition.
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The absence of these high-profile players is expected to take some shine off the tournament, but it also creates space for emerging talents and younger squads to make their mark.

African fans will now turn their attention to the continent’s qualified teams, hoping for a memorable performance at the global showpiece.

With just weeks to go until the tournament begins, the football world continues to react to the news that several of its biggest icons will not be present in 2026.