Between overhead kicks, last-minute winners and routine punches, the November international break was full of jubilant moments. But between that jubilation, came the heartbreak of missing out on a place at the 2026 World Cup.
For many players, it was their last opportunity to reach football’s biggest stage, only to find themselves snatched away once again. While Scotland may still be in party mode and Ireland are preparing for the playoffs after Troy Parrott’s exploits, countries like Hungary and Nigeria are wondering what could have been.
With the tournament fast approaching, some of the world’s most impressive stars now have their fates sealed and face the heartbreaking task of watching from home as their club teammates do what they can only dream of next summer.
From Victor Osimhen to Dominik Szoboszlai, we’ve taken a look at the best XI of players likely to miss out on a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Goalkeeper and defense
GK: Jan Blak (Slovenia and Atletico Madrid) – In Slovenia’s disastrous qualifying attempts, Jan Oblak could only watch as his team scored just four points from six matches in a group with Switzerland, Kosovo and Sweden.
At the end of qualifying, the standings weren’t even close as Kosovo’s 11 points were enough to finish second and leave Slovenia third to sum up.
RB: Ola Aina (Nigeria and Nottingham Forest) – If Oblak’s situation was frustrating, Ola Aina’s was on a whole new level during the international break. The right-back could only watch on amid his recent injuries as Nigeria crashed out of qualifying in a disastrous penalty shootout.
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle limited his penalty options by withdrawing attacking players to hold out before the shootout, only to suffer the consequences.
CB: Willi Orban (Hungary & RB Leipzig) – As Parrott walked away to celebrate Ireland, Willi Orban was one of many Hungarian players to suffer the heartbreak of a late defeat.
They had their World Cup fortune in their hands, but it was snatched away in the harshest way possible. Now the 33-year-old RB Leipzig man may never get the chance to participate in the tournament.
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CB: Nikola Milenkovic (Serbia and Nottingham Forest) – This makes Serbia’s struggles all the more confusing as they also had a defender of Nikola Milenkovic’s caliber, but that sums up their season. The Nottingham Forest star has struggled to replicate last season’s form at club level and has taken that form into the international break.
DB: Milos Kerkez (Hungary and Liverpool) – It was a difficult season for Milos Kerkez. The left-back has failed to break through at Liverpool and recently lost his place to Andy Robertson. Now his World Cup dreams have been shattered to coincide with his dream slowly but surely turning into a nightmare.
midfielder
CM: Carlos Baleba (Cameron and Brighton) – Carlos Baleba is undoubtedly destined for great things, but the world stage will have to wait for his presence as Cameroon lost in qualifying against DR Congo. At 21, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder will have even more opportunities in his future and these could yet coincide with an impressive move at club level.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary and Liverpool) – Szoboszlai was at a loss for words after Parrott’s late winner. When his team took the lead before half-time, the Hungarian captain would have had his sights set on the World Cup.
However, just 45 minutes later, he saw his dreams cruelly destroyed. Rarely outstanding for Liverpool this season and often leading Hungary to victory, Szoboszlai has certainly had a tough time.
RM: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon and Man Utd) – Just like his international teammate and potential future club teammate, Belaba, Bryan Mbeumo will miss the 2026 World Cup.
At the peak of his powers and with everything starting to come together at Old Trafford, there would have been plenty of hope around Cameroon that the winger could lead them through qualifying. But ultimately, he struggled to make his mark in the DRC.
LM: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia & PSG) – As talented as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is, Georgia were always likely to be underdogs in World Cup qualifying. They finished third in Group E and won just once in six games, with Spain and Turkey occupying the top two places, and they were forced to settle for third place ahead of Bulgaria.
Attack
ST: Victor Osimen (Nigaria and Galasarays) – The biggest stage has continued to pass Osimhen in recent years. Since his falling out with Napoli, he has played much of his club football at Galatasaray, despite endless rumors linking him with some of Europe’s biggest clubs and leagues. Now he is set to miss the World Cup and didn’t even get the chance to take a penalty for Nigeria, who crashed out after his substitution.
ST: Serhou Guirassy (Guinea & Borussia Dortmund) – Serhou Guirassy is arguably one of the most impressive strikers European football has to offer. He has always shone in the Bundesliga in recent years, but will not have the chance to do the same for Guinea next summer. His team finished fourth in Group G, despite losing just three of their 10 matches.
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