10 big-name players who never played a minute at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ten prominent footballers participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, yet none of them saw a single minute of playing time. The tournament, which featured 48 teams, saw several high-profile athletes remain on the sidelines despite being selected for their national squads. These players either faced tactical choices, injuries, or intense competition for limited spots, resulting in a unique situation where they completed the event without contributing on the pitch. Among the players who went through the tournament without taking to the field was N’Golo Kante of France. The veteran midfielder, known for his crucial role in France's 2018 World Cup victory, was part of the squad but did not appear in any match. Coach Didier Deschamps opted not to use the 35-year-old throughout the competition, even in the third-place playoff against England. Similarly, Kobbie Mainoo of England found himself sidelined after falling ill, missing the third-place playoff and becoming the only England outfield player to avoid participation. Victor Munoz, a newly signed player for Liverpool, was included in Spain’s World Cup-winning squad but suffered an injury prior to the tournament, preventing him from playing. Meanwhile, David Raya, who had recently won the Premier League Golden Glove award, stayed on the bench for Spain’s entire campaign. His absence was attributed to the consistent performance of Unai Simon, who conceded just one goal throughout the tournament. In England, James Trafford, a Manchester City goalkeeper, remained an unused substitute throughout the competition. While Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson received opportunities, Trafford was left without a World Cup appearance. Brazil’s Bremer, a defender with Juventus, also finished the tournament without a single minute of action. With Gabriel and Marquinhos securing the starting positions, Bremer struggled to gain a foothold in the team. Ronald Araujo of Uruguay had his World Cup dreams dashed by injury, as he missed the opening matches and was unable to recover in time for his country’s early exit from the group stage. Alejandro Grimaldo, who joined Atletico Madrid after a standout club season, was unable to displace Marc Cucurella at left-back for Spain, watching the team progress to the final without him. Goncalo Inacio of Portugal, despite being part of a stable defense, never got a chance to showcase his skills. Coach Roberto Martinez favored Ruben Dias and Renato Veiga over Inacio, leaving the Sporting CP defender without a single appearance. In the Netherlands, Mats Wieffer, who seemed to have a chance to step in after Jurriën Timber’s injury, still managed to miss out, remaining on the sidelines as the team maintained a settled lineup. Despite their lack of playing time, all these players received a World Cup medal or official tournament recognition for being part of their respective national squads. However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be remembered as a missed opportunity for these athletes, as none were able to make their mark on the field. Their inclusion in the squads highlights the competitive nature of international football, where talent alone is not always enough to secure a place in the spotlight.