Sports
10 big-name players who never played a minute at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Making a FIFA World Cup squad is a dream for every footballer. But for some players at the 2026 tournament, that dream ended without a single minute of action on the pitch.
Although all 48 participating nations named full squads for the expanded tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico, a number of high-profile stars watched every game from the bench due to tactical decisions, injuries or stiff competition for places.
Here are 10 notable players who completed the 2026 FIFA World Cup without making a single appearance.
N’Golo Kante (France)
The veteran midfielder was part of France’s squad but did not feature in any of their matches. Despite his experience and key role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, coach Didier Deschamps left the 35-year-old unused throughout the tournament, including the third-place playoff against England.
Kobbie Mainoo (England)
Mainoo endured a frustrating campaign after failing to play a single minute for England. Illness ruled him out of the third-place playoff, leaving him as the only England outfield player not to feature during the tournament.
Victor Munoz (Spain)
Spain’s World Cup-winning squad included Liverpool’s new signing Victor Munoz, but the young forward never got the opportunity to play. An injury sustained before the tournament prevented him from making an appearance.
David Raya (Spain)
Fresh from winning the Premier League Golden Glove, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya remained on the bench for Spain’s entire World Cup campaign.
With Unai Simon producing outstanding performances and conceding only one goal throughout the tournament, Raya never got the chance to feature.
James Trafford (England)
England manager Thomas Tuchel rotated his goalkeepers during the tournament, but Manchester City’s James Trafford remained an unused substitute throughout.
Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson were both given opportunities, leaving Trafford without a World Cup appearance.
Bremer (Brazil)
Brazil defender Bremer also finished the tournament without any minutes.
With Gabriel and Marquinhos firmly established as Brazil’s preferred central defensive pairing, the Juventus defender struggled to break into the team.
Ronald Araujo (Uruguay)
Araujo’s hopes of featuring were derailed by injury before the tournament began.
The Barcelona defender missed Uruguay’s opening matches and never recovered in time to play before his country’s disappointing group-stage exit.
Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain)
Grimaldo arrived at the World Cup following another impressive club season but could not displace Marc Cucurella at left-back.
As Spain marched to the title, the Atletico Madrid defender watched every game from the sidelines.
Goncalo Inacio (Portugal)
Portugal’s defensive stability meant Goncalo Inacio never got an opportunity to impress.
Coach Roberto Martinez consistently preferred Ruben Dias and Renato Veiga, leaving the Sporting CP defender without a single appearance.
Mats Wieffer (Netherlands)
Jurriën Timber’s injury appeared to open the door for Mats Wieffer, but the Dutch midfielder still failed to get on the pitch.
The Netherlands maintained a settled lineup throughout the competition, leaving Wieffer among the tournament’s most unfortunate unused players.
While each of these players will still receive a World Cup medal or official tournament recognition for being part of their national squads, the 2026 edition will likely be remembered as a missed opportunity, with none managing to make their mark on the field.
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