5 Superstars You Won’t See At The World Cup

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - JUNE 26: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Georgia scores his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Portugal at Arena AufSchalke on June 26, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty Images The World Cup is all about showcasing the planet’s best soccer players.

But not all of the best players will be at the 48-team tournament, which starts on June 11. Injuries and the failure of certain nations to qualify will rob millions and millions of fans the joy of watching several of the world’s most talented players this summer. The failure of Italy to qualify for a third straight World Cup will mean that several top players will miss the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Failure to qualify isn’t the only reason. The long European club season certainly hasn’t helped as injuries, especially over the past few months, means players will miss out on what can often be a once-in-a-lifetime chance. WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Xavi Simons of Tottenham Hotspur reacts on the floor with a injury during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on April 25, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) Getty Images Here are five players who will miss out on the tournament: Xavi Simons (Netherlands) Xavi Simons, one of the biggest young stars from the Netherlands, plays as an attacking midfielder and became known after starring for PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and later Tottenham Hotspur. He has also become a regular for the Dutch national team. Simons will not play at the World Cup after suffering a serious right knee injury , diagnosed with a ruptured ACL during a Premier League match for Spurs last month.