The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers have officially wrapped up, and several major nations, including Italy, Hungary, Georgia, Nigeria, and Slovenia, have failed to make the cut.
The sight of Liverpool starboy Dominic Szoboszlai in dismay after Hungary stumbled against the Republic of Ireland perfectly captures what it means for players to be able to represent their nation at the biggest stage in international football.
Meanwhile, history has repeated for the four-time winners, Italy, who have missed out on a third consecutive World Cup, marking a steady decline.
The expanded 48-team format was supposed to be the most inclusive edition in the competition’s history, and yet the journey has ended in heartbreak for several elite talents.
The void left by World Cup elimination can surely not be filled by any club-level or individual accolades.
The Hungarian captain, who boasts a €100 million valuation on Transfermarkt, will be the most notable absentee this summer.
Szoboszlai has by far been the most influential player for the Reds this season, but the World Cup remains a distant dream for the 25-year-old.
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, the €90 million-rated Khvicha Kvaratskhelia guided the Parisians to Champions League glory last season but failed to replicate his heroics at the international stage.
Galatasaray talisman Victor Osimhen (€75 million) exited the competition after Nigeria suffered a penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo in the playoffs.
The setback felt even worse for the 27-year-old, as he had to be substituted at halftime due to a hamstring injury, leaving Nigeria with a weakened attack.
Other household names, including Inter Milan center back Alessandro Bastoni (€70 million), Manchester United forward Benjamin Sesko (€65 million), and Manchester City’s shot stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma (€45 million), will also not be making the trip to North America.
Italian full-back Riccardo Calafiori (€50 million), who is on the verge of winning the Premier League title with Arsenal, will also be staying back while several of his club teammates head off to North America.
