THE final line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been confirmed, concluding a qualifying campaign that spanned nearly three years and setting the stage for the competition’s first-ever 48-team format.
The tournament, to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, will feature an expanded field that has created opportunities for emerging nations while leaving several established sides on the sidelines.
Among the most striking absentees is Italy, which will miss a third consecutive World Cup after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The omission marks a steep decline for a nation that won the tournament in 2006 and lifted the European Championship in 2020.
In Africa, Nigeria failed to qualify despite a squad featuring players from leading European clubs, while Chile also missed out as its golden generation fades. Poland and Costa Rica were likewise eliminated, underlining the continued competitiveness of qualification despite the expanded format.
Bernama-Xinhua reported on Wednesday that the absence of several nations has also sidelined high-profile players. Italy’s failure to qualify leaves Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella out of the tournament.
Serhou Guirassy will miss out after Guinea’s elimination, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another notable absentee despite recent European success.
Perhaps the most significant omission is Robert Lewandowski, with the veteran striker potentially having played his final major international tournament following Poland’s exit.
Attention will instead turn to leading stars expected to define the competition.
Lionel Messi remains central to Argentina’s ambitions, while Kylian Mbappe continues to spearhead France’s attack. Rising talent Lamine Yamal is also set to be a key figure for Spain.
Other influential players include Vitinha for Portugal, Achraf Hakimi for Morocco, Federico Valverde for Uruguay, and Brazil’s attacking duo Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
Among the leading contenders, Argentina will defend its title with much of its previous squad intact. France, Spain and England are also widely regarded as frontrunners, while Germany remains a potential challenger despite inconsistent recent form.
Uncertainty had surrounded Iran’s participation due to geopolitical tensions, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the team will compete as scheduled.
"Iran will be at the World Cup," he said. "We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team. The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw."
Iran is currently scheduled to play group matches in the United States against New Zealand and Belgium before facing Egypt, although discussions over venue arrangements had taken place amid security concerns. - April 1, 2026
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