As the World Cup approaches, a number of exceptional talents will be conspicuously absent from the tournament. These players, despite their immense skills and contributions to their clubs, found themselves on the outside looking in. Here’s a look at the best XI who won’t be participating in the global showcase.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Goalkeeper, Italy)
At just 27 years old, the Italian captain is hailed as one of the premier goalkeepers globally. His transition to Manchester City has been seamless, allowing him to meet the high expectations of the Premier League after his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. Although he showcased incredible skills during Euro 2020, his performance fell short during the crucial World Cup playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he was unable to save any penalties.
Jon Aramburu (Right-Back, Venezuela)
The 23-year-old defender emerged as a standout during the 2024 Copa América, impressively showcasing his versatility by excelling as both a left and right-back. His dynamic defensive approach and relentless effort have made him a key player for Real Sociedad. Nevertheless, despite his talents, Venezuela narrowly missed out on a spot in the World Cup inter-confederation playoffs, finishing just two points shy.
Edmond Tapsoba (Central Defence, Burkina Faso)
The Bayer Leverkusen defender is recognized as one of Europe’s top ball-playing centre-backs and has been instrumental in his club’s success under the guidance of Xabi Alonso during the 2023-24 season. At 27, his calm demeanor and impressive passing abilities set him apart. Unfortunately, despite his outstanding performances, Burkina Faso fell short in their quest to qualify for their inaugural World Cup.
Riccardo Calafiori (Central Defence, Italy)
After a remarkable season with Bologna, Calafiori made the move to Arsenal in 2024, quickly making an impact with a spectacular goal against Manchester City. His adaptability in defense played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title victory this year, making him only the third Italian to earn a Premier League medal. Following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Calafiori will take the summer to recuperate, although he has found solace in winning club silverware.
Milos Kerkez (Left-Back, Hungary)
Famed for his attacking runs and crossing finesse, the 22-year-old Liverpool player embodies the essence of the modern full-back. Consistently displaying his skills in the English Premier League, first at Bournemouth, Kerkez’s efforts were not enough to secure qualification for Hungary, who finished third in their group behind Portugal.
Carlos Baleba (Central Defensive Midfield, Cameroon)
Establishing himself as a formidable presence in Brighton’s midfield, Baleba has garnered comparisons to top defensive midfielders due to his ability to disrupt opposing plays and facilitate swift transitions. His physical prowess and technical advancements over the past season have made him a vital player for both his club and the Cameroon national team. Regrettably, despite his rise as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents, he will miss the finals.
Marcelino Núñez (Midfield, Chile)
The creative force behind Ipswich and the Chilean national team, Núñez is celebrated for his vision and expertise in set-pieces. He brings the technical skill often lacking in the midfield for both Ipswich and Chile, thriving under the management of Kieran McKenna. As Chile’s golden generation fades, Núñez emerges as a pivotal link to the future for La Roja.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Midfield, Hungary)
Szoboszlai emerged as a bright spot in Liverpool’s disappointing title defense, known for his exceptional set-piece skills and ability to score stunning long-range goals against top teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. As Hungary’s captain and creative core, his absence from the World Cup diminishes the tournament’s excitement, especially after his impressive contributions of five goals in six qualifying matches. Hungary’s failure to qualify extends their 40-year drought from the finals.
Following his remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final with Atalanta, Lookman has become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market for 2024, captivating clubs with his speed and finishing ability. His standout performance during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations included three goals and four assists, yet Nigeria’s failure to qualify for two consecutive World Cups marks a significant setback for the team since 1990.
Victor Osimhen (Striker, Nigeria)
Considered one of the most lethal strikers in the game, Osimhen poses a significant challenge for defenders. Now leading the attack at Galatasaray following a series of failed transfer moves, he continues to be a prolific scorer, netting eight goals during qualifying. However, questions remain about what might have been had he not missed five matches due to injury, during which Nigeria dropped crucial points.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Winger, Georgia)
At 25, Kvaratskhelia joined Paris Saint-Germain with a reputation for his work ethic and team-first mentality. Capable of altering the outcome of any match, he has consistently excelled on European stages and is now a two-time Champions League champion. Although Kvaratskhelia scored twice during qualifying, Georgia finished far behind, securing only third place in their group.
Honourable 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).
