Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the Biggest Stars Who Have Failed to Qualify for the 2026 World Cup

 The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico promises to be a spectacle featuring Lionel Messi’s last dance, Cristiano Ronaldo’s record sixth appearance, and Erling Haaland’s debut on the grandest stage. Yet, for all the star power heading to North America, several elite names will be conspicuously absent after their nations stumbled in qualification.

⚡ Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Nigeria’s golden generation faltered in the CAF play-offs, losing to DR Congo on penalties. Osimhen, who scored eight goals in qualifying, missed three crucial matches through injury and was withdrawn at halftime in the decisive tie. His absence is a huge blow, as the Super Eagles now miss back-to-back World Cups. At 30 in 2030, Osimhen’s prime years may have gone to waste globally.

⚡ Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)

Georgia’s Euro 2024 heroics didn’t translate to World Cup success. Despite Kvaratskhelia’s dazzling runs and two qualifying goals, his side finished a distant third behind Spain and Turkey. A 4–1 defeat to Turkey epitomized their struggles. PSG’s winger will miss out on showcasing his talent on the world’s biggest stage.

⚡ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

At 36, Aubameyang’s dream of playing at a World Cup is over. Despite scoring seven goals—including a remarkable four against Gambia—Gabon fell to Nigeria in the CAF play-offs. Aubameyang retires as one of the finest strikers never to grace the tournament.

⚡ Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

The Brentford forward switched allegiance from France to Cameroon in 2022, but his gamble hasn’t paid off. Cameroon lost to DR Congo in the play-offs, with Mbeumo missing a clear chance and storming down the tunnel in frustration. The Indomitable Lions, Africa’s most experienced World Cup nation, will sit out 2026.

⚡ Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia)

Serbia’s nightmare campaign ended with defeats to Albania and England. Vlahovic managed just two goals and went missing in key fixtures. With only 16 goals in 41 caps, the Juventus striker’s international reputation has taken a hit.

⚡ Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary)

Hungary was seconds away from qualification before Ireland’s Troy Parrott scored a stoppage-time winner. Szoboszlai, who contributed five goals in six matches, broke down in tears. Despite his brilliance, Hungary’s wait for a World Cup now stretches to 44 years.

⚡ Alexis Sánchez (Chile)

The 36-year-old Chilean legend, once a star at Barcelona and Arsenal, saw his side finish bottom of the CONMEBOL table. Injuries and managerial changes left Sánchez sidelined, ending his hopes of a fourth World Cup appearance.

⚡ Benjamin Sesko (Slovenia)

The Manchester United striker failed to score in four qualifiers and later picked up a knee injury. Slovenia’s barren run since 2010 continues, with Sesko unable to replicate his club form.

⚡ Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)

The veteran goalkeeper came out of retirement aiming for a fourth World Cup, but Costa Rica finished behind Honduras and Haiti. Despite conceding only six goals in six matches, a lack of attacking firepower doomed Los Ticos.

⚡ Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)

Europe’s most prolific striker in recent seasons, Guirassy netted 75 club goals since 2023 but managed just one in qualifying. Guinea finished fourth in their group, ending hopes of a maiden World Cup appearance.

📊 Summary Table

Player	Nation	Reason for Missing WC 2026
Victor Osimhen	Nigeria	Lost to DR Congo in play-offs
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia	Georgia	Finished 3rd behind Spain & Turkey
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	Gabon	Lost to Nigeria in play-offs
Bryan Mbeumo	Cameroon	Beaten by DR Congo
Dusan Vlahovic	Serbia	Eliminated after defeats to Albania & England
Dominik Szoboszlai	Hungary	Last-minute loss to Ireland
Alexis Sánchez	Chile	Finished at the bottom of CONMEBOL
Benjamin Šeško	Slovenia	Injured, no goals in qualifiers
Keylor Navas	Costa Rica	Finished 3rd behind Honduras & Haiti
Serhou Guirassy	Guinea	Scored once, team finished 4th