The World Cup always brings joy to millions, but for every hero fighting for the trophy, there is a group of top talents left behind.
This time around, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to light up stadiums across North America, some standout European players will tune in as fans rather than participants.
Their nations fell short in the gruelling qualifiers and playoffs, turning dreams into distant memories. It is a tough pill to swallow for these stars who light up club football week in, week out. As we unpack their stories, one thing stands clear: missing the global showpiece hits differently depending on where they are in their careers.
Football does not wait for anyone, though. While the pain lingers, transfer rumours swirl and new chapters beckon. Let us dive into what went wrong for Gianluigi Donnarumma, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Robert Lewandowski, Benjamin Sesko, and Dominik Szoboszlai, the bigger picture for their countries, and where they might head next on the pitch.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Picture this: a towering goalkeeper who stares down penalty takers like they are schoolyard bullies, yet he cannot save his nation from another qualification nightmare. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City’s rock between the sticks, faced the ultimate test in the UEFA playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy held firm through 120 minutes, drawing 1-1, but crumbled 4-1 in the shootout. It was a cruel end, marking the Azzurri’s third consecutive absence from the World Cup, a shocking run for the four-time winners.
Donnarumma did a solid job for most parts, but one slip in the lottery of spot-kicks sealed fate. At 27, he is no stranger to pressure, having starred in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. Another absence from the World Cup will sting further because it exposes deeper issues: a squad blending youth and experience that just could not click under the spotlight.
Gennaro Gattuso’s men showed fight, but Bosnia’s grit won the day. For Donnarumma, it is back to club duties where he is untouchable. What does this mean for Italy? They are rebuilding, but three blanks in a row question the pipeline. Donnarumma remains the backbone, while his shot-stopping and command are a class apart. He will use this as fuel, proving doubters wrong at the club level.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Few players dazzle like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian speedster, now tearing it up at PSG after his Napoli heroics, earned the ‘Kvaradona’ tag for good reason, as those twisting runs, pinpoint crosses, and timely strikes light up defences. Additionally, his exploits have piqued the attention of high-profile clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool
Speaking of Georgia, they punched above their weight at UEFA Euro 2024, reaching the round of 16, but World Cup qualifiers were a different beast. They finished third in a tough Group E behind Spain and Turkiye, losing four of their last five, including a 4-1 humbling by the latter.
Kvaratskhelia chipped in with two goals, including a brilliant strike in a 3-0 rout of Bulgaria. However, his teammates could not match his flair. Georgia lacked the depth to push for playoffs, leaving their star sidelined for the summer spectacle. However, at 25, he has got time on his side.
Watching club teammates like Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and Marquinhos, among others, shine globally should motivate him to drag Georgia further next time. Georgia’s rise is real, thanks to Kvaratskhelia, but they need squad balance. He is the spark, and they must now build around it. Expect him to channel this into more magic at club level.
Robert Lewandowski
Age catches up, even to goal machines like Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona striker, Poland’s record scorer, poured everything into one last World Cup push. He struck in the playoff semi against Albania, keeping hopes flickering. However, Sweden dashed them in the final in a 3-2 thriller, where Viktor Gyokeres stole the show late on.
At 37, this was probably Lewandowski’s final dance on the biggest stage, leaving him with just that lone 2022 appearance. The veteran striker’s career is a goal fest, complete with precise finishes, aerial dominance, leadership that inspires. Poland leaned on him heavily, but the squad’s frailties showed.
No more World Cups means reflection: what if Poland built better around him? There are whispers of a summer exit from Barcelona, with the experienced centre-forward possibly eyeing MLS or the Saudi Pro League for one last payday. He is still a force, but father time waits for no one.
Poland enter a rebuild era post-Lewandowski. His absence robs the World Cup of a master finisher, but his legacy endures. Watch out for emotional tributes when he hangs up international boots.
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko represents the future. However, the towering Manchester United forward could not fire Slovenia through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They grabbed just three points from 12, stumbling 2-0 at home to Kosovo, while a knee injury sidelined Sesko for that killer blow.
The 22-year-old went goalless in his four qualifiers, struggling amid a lack of support beyond Jan Oblak. Slovenia have not sniffed a World Cup since 2010, and Sesko’s early career has hit a bump. His confidence dipped at the club, too, before a recent rally.
Meanwhile, there is no rush, as the youngster will rest this summer, recharge, and target UEFA Euro 2028. Manchester United will also benefit from his physicality and poaching instinct. He is slowly getting back to his best at the club level. For Slovenia, Sesko is the hope. Pair him with better midfield supply, and watch him soar. He has got a decade to etch his name globally.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai wore the armband like a second skin, running the show for Hungary. The Liverpool midfielder, one of Europe’s most valuable non-qualifier, bagged five goals in six qualifying fixtures, including a stunner to level against Portugal.
However, heartbreak struck: a 90th-minute Troy Parrott strike gifted Ireland a 3-2 win, ending Magyar’s playoff dreams. Szoboszlai covered every blade of grass, defending, creating, scoring. Hungary led Group F’s chase but faltered late, with complacency costing dear.
At 25, he is prime for growth. Real Madrid rumours are heating up, and a Bernabeu switch could skyrocket him alongside Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Hungary’s 44-year World Cup drought continues, but Szoboszlai is the leader they build around.
These five embody football’s ruthlessness. Donnarumma’s Italy face identity questions after three blanks. Kvaratskhelia lifts Georgia alone; they need more quality across the pitch. Lewandowski’s exit ushers Poland’s next gen. Sesko and Szoboszlai? Their pain will fuel their ambition for the upcoming international events.
