The 2026 FIFA World Cup features an expanded 48-team format and a deeper pool of global talent than ever before. All teams that participate in the FIFA World Cup are available once you make your 1xBet login into the platform too.
However, several high-profile footballers from qualified nations are still missing due to injury, late fitness setbacks, or international selection issues. Their absence reshapes tactical expectations and removes some of the tournament’s most recognizable stars.
One of the most significant losses is Brazil’s attacking winger Rodrygo, who was ruled out after a serious knee injury involving ACL and meniscus damage. He had been expected to play a central creative role in Brazil’s front line, but instead missed the entire tournament. Other 3 Brazilian footballers who were also ruled out of the competition were:
- Éder Militão;
- Wesley;
- and Estêvão.
Don’t forget to login into 1xBet so you can bet on the Brazilian national side too. A 2nd country that suffered was France. They also missed striker Hugo Ekitiké, who was absent after an Achilles tendon rupture sustained during the club season. His pace and movement were seen as a potential tactical weapon for France’s rotation-heavy attacking setup.
Other notable examples
The Netherlands arrive in North America significantly weakened in midfield and defense. The 2 biggest names the team missed are Xavi Simons and Matthijs de Ligt. These losses have 2 effects: reduce both technical creativity and defensive stability for a side expected to compete deep into the knockout rounds.
Germany are not immune either, with forward Serge Gnabry ruled out after a serious muscle injury. His versatility across the front line had made him an important tactical option for the national team, particularly in tight knockout matches where flexibility is crucial.
Japan’s squad is also heavily impacted despite strong group-stage form. The 2 biggest names they missed are Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino. This limited Japan’s ability to rotate in wide attacking positions and reduced their counterattacking threat against elite opponents.
Beyond these headline names, other qualified nations are also missing important contributors, including Spain’s Fermín López and the United States’ Johnny Cardoso. Collectively, these absences highlight how physically demanding modern football has become, with club and international schedules converging to produce an unusually long list of unavailable stars.