Key football stars missing from the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury or squad omission
By
Mark Ogden
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
The article discusses notable football (soccer) stars who will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injuries or being overlooked by national team coaches. It highlights players like Trent Alexander-Arnold (England), Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Hugo Ekitike among others who won't be participating in the tournament. The piece emphasizes that while the World Cup showcases the best talent, some major names will be watching from home, making the tournament slightly less star-studded.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe FIFA World Cup is the stage for the game's best players to perform in the biggest tournament of all and chase the glory of lifting football's most prestigious trophy.
Some have had the misfortune of sustaining an injury that has ruled them out, while others have had to overcome the shock of being overlooked by their national team coach.
The World Cup is a celebration of the best in soccer, but at this summer's tournament, the party will be just a little duller without these stars.
You might also wanna read

Colombia World Cup 2026 Preview: Los Cafeteros Return After Missing 2022 Tournament
Colombia enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the most motivated teams after missing the 2022 tournament. They finished third in the grueling
Jack Grealish Likely to Miss Manchester City's Club World Cup Squad Amid Transfer Speculations
Jack Grealish is expected to be left out of the Manchester City squad for the Fifa Club World Cup with uncertainties surrounding his future
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fifa-world-cup-052826-1-6746aca2de394e06bb59196babb7438a.jpg)
Everything to Know About the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi's Uncertain Future in Soccer Beyond 2025
Lionel Messi's future in soccer remains uncertain as he is out of contract with Inter Miami at the end of 2025, with speculations about his
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/Christian-Pulisic-Lionel-Messi--050826-5347867035a740baaa473b96219fc125.jpg)
USMNT's Christian Pulisic Stars Alongside Messi, Morgan in Michelob Ultra Ad Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Christian Pulisic, captain of the USMNT, stars in a new Michelob Ultra advertisement alongside soccer legends Lionel Messi, Alex Morgan, and
Bukayo Saka Excluded from England Squad for Andorra World Cup Qualifier
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been left out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra due to fitness concerns.
