Phil Foden To Cole Palmer: 10 Star Footballers Who're Not Picked For FIFA World Cup 2026

Manchester City star Phil Foden was not included in England's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad announced by Thomas Tuchel on May 22. Foden, who has scored four goals in 49 matches for the Three Lions, was part of England's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and even scored once against Wales. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is another big name left out of England's World Cup squad. Palmer, who has made two appearances for England this year, has scored two goals in international football so far. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Central defender Harry Maguire, who represented England in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, has also been omitted from this year's squad. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

João Pedro won Chelsea's Player of the Season award, but despite his impressive performances in the 2025–26 season, he failed to secure a place in Brazil's 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. His exclusion has sparked a major debate in Brazil. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Trent Alexander-Arnold is another notable absentee from England's World Cup squad. The former Liverpool player, who now represents Real Madrid, has played 34 international matches for the Three Lions and was part of their squads for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Real Madrid left-back Eduardo Camavinga, who was part of France's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will not represent Les Bleus in this year's mega event. He was not included in the 26-member squad announced by Didier Deschamps earlier this month. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Forward Randal Kolo Muani is another player from France's 2022 World Cup squad who will not feature in this year's tournament. France's immense attacking depth is believed to be the main reason behind his omission. (Picture Credit: AFP)

Paulo Dybala, who won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022, has not been considered for this year's tournament. The star footballer was not even included in the 55-player preliminary shortlist for the 2026 edition. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Left-back Luke Shaw represented England in the 2014 and 2022 editions of the FIFA World Cup, but Thomas Tuchel has overlooked him for this year's tournament despite his experience and recent strong performances for Manchester United. (Picture Credit: Instagram)

Attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski will not play for Sweden in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kulusevski is regarded as one of Sweden's top players in recent years, but despite that, he has not been selected in the squad for the tournament. (Picture Credit: Instagram)