Every FIFA World Cup brings its own heroes—and its share of surprising omissions.

In fact, it’s often the players who don’t make the final squad that trigger the biggest debates. When names like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, or Trent Alexander-Arnold are left out of football’s most prestigious tournament, one can’t help but wonder: how strong is a team that can afford to exclude such stars?

The final squad announcements for the 2026 World Cup have already delivered plenty of talking points. Some decisions are understandable, others less so—and of course, there are injuries that have forced coaches’ hands.

Note: Players who have retired from international football (such as Luis Suárez, Antoine Griezmann, and Thomas Müller) are not included in this analysis.

England leads the list of major exclusions, with several high-profile decisions that have dominated headlines.

Cole Palmer is arguably the most surprising omission. After delivering exceptional performances and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most decisive young players, his absence shocked many. Phil Foden, despite being a world-class talent and one of Manchester City’s key figures, was also left out—illustrating that even top performers can fall outside a manager’s tactical vision.

Adding to the shock were exclusions like Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Europe’s most creative full-backs, overlooked despite his unique passing and playmaking ability, and Harry Maguire, a defensive stalwart in recent international campaigns who ultimately did not make the final cut.

Four major names, four unique stories—but one shared reality: even a world-class side like England’s must leave elite talent behind.

For France, leaving out Eduardo Camavinga signals how fierce the competition has become. Equally surprising was the omission of Khéphren Thuram, a key player for Juventus but not for Didier Deschamps this time.

In attack, there were additional setbacks. Hugo Ekitiké misses the World Cup due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, while even with his absence, there was still no room for Romain Kroupi, the Bournemouth striker currently on the rise.

Brazil’s selection took a turn with Neymar’s inclusion, which altered the squad balance. The player who lost out was João Pedro. Despite an impressive season, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for Neymar’s experience and leadership.

This decision stings even more considering Brazil will already be without Rodrygo and Estêvão in attack due to injuries, and Éder Militão in defence, further depleting their ranks.

Spain also had its share of absences. Two forwards at opposite ends of their careers—Samu Aghehowa (formerly Omorodion) and Fermin Lopez—will miss out. Aghehowa suffered an ACL tear in February, while Lopez, after an excellent Champions League run with Barcelona, had to undergo surgery for a broken toe.

In defence, coach Luis de la Fuente chose not to rely on Real Madrid players. Carreras and Huijsen failed to impress after a disappointing season for Los Blancos, meaning Spain’s World Cup squad will not feature any Real Madrid players for the first time in history.

In the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman’s selections also caused debate. Jeremie Frimpong missed out following a below-par season with Liverpool and recurring injuries. The most painful absence, however, is Xavi Simons, who suffered an ACL injury in late April—a huge blow for both the national team and Tottenham, who were battling relegation in the Premier League.

Elsewhere across the football world, there were more notable omissions and injuries:

• Karim Adeyemi (Germany) – technical decision
• Serge Gnabry (Germany) – injury
• Mika Godts (Belgium) – technical decision
• Lucas Torreira (Uruguay) – technical decision
• Paulo Dybala (Argentina) – technical decision
• Marcos Senesi (Argentina) – technical decision
• Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina) – technical decision
• Franco Mastantuono (Argentina) – technical decision
• Takumi Minamino (Japan) – injury
• Kaoru Mitoma (Japan) – injury
• Billy Gilmour (Scotland) – injury
• Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) – injury
• Ismael Bennacer (Algeria) – technical decision
• Hirving Lozano (Mexico) – technical decision

In total, 32 talented footballers will miss the 2026 World Cup—some due to sheer misfortune, others because of their managers’ preferences. Regardless of the reasons, they’ll be watching this summer’s tournament from home.