The 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest ever, featuring 48 teams. Still, the expanded format was not enough to prevent major football heartbreaks. March 31 marked the end of the road for several European powerhouses in the UEFA playoffs.

Italy, for instance, will miss the tournament once again in shocking fashion. Denmark and Poland also bowed out, meaning the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will lack some of the game’s biggest stars.

Sofascore News highlights 10 well-known players who failed to qualify for the World Cup:

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy/PSG)

Italy’s nightmare continues. The PSG goalkeeper will miss a third straight World Cup with the Azzurri after a painful playoff exit.

READ MORE: Italy out of the 2026 World Cup: what did the Azzurri lack?

2. Christian Eriksen (Denmark/Wolfsburg)

The Danish playmaker saw his golden generation fall short against Czechia in the final playoff. At 34, this may have been his last shot on the global stage.

3. Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Barcelona)

Barcelona’s striker could not carry Poland to the World Cup. The loss to Sweden ends his hopes of a memorable farewell on football’s biggest stage.

4. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)

Osimhen’s physical dominance was not enough as Nigeria fell short in the tough African qualifiers, leaving out one of the world’s most lethal forwards.

5. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon/Manchester United)

A major signing for Manchester United in 2025, Mbeumo will miss the World Cup after Cameroon’s early exit.

6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia/PSG)

“Kvaradona” came close, but Georgia fell short after finishing behind Spain and Turkey in a competitive group.

7. Jan Oblak (Slovenia/Atlético Madrid)

Widely regarded as one of the most underrated goalkeepers, Oblak could not prevent Slovenia’s elimination.

8. Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia/Al-Hilal)

Serbia’s all-time top scorer could not replicate his club form, as defensive struggles cost the team a place at the World Cup.

9. Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary/Liverpool)

Liverpool’s midfielder impressed individually, but Hungary fell short collectively in their qualifying campaign.

10. Erick Pulgar (Chile/Flamengo)

Despite a successful club season, Pulgar could not stop Chile from missing another World Cup amid a generational transition.