World Cup 2026 Line-Up Finalised with DR Congo and Iraq Completing 48-Team Field
The full 48-team roster for this summer's FIFA World Cup was officially confirmed on Tuesday, with the final six nations securing their places through dramatic play-off ties. DR Congo and Iraq were the last two teams to book their tickets for the 2026 edition of the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
European Qualifiers Bring Major Surprises and Heartbreak
The final four European spots were also confirmed on Tuesday, with Turkey, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Bosnia-Herzegovina qualifying at the expense of Kosovo, Poland, Denmark, and Italy. Italy's failure to qualify has sent shockwaves through the football world, as the four-time winners will miss a third successive World Cup despite boasting a squad filled with star names.
While numerous Premier League stars will be on display at the finals, several high-profile players suffered devastating heartbreak during the qualifying campaign. Daily Mail Sport has compiled an XI of Premier League talents who will be forced to watch from the sidelines this summer.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Italy
The Manchester City goalkeeper admitted he was reduced to tears after Italy failed to reach a third consecutive World Cup. Donnarumma captained Italy as they fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties on Tuesday night, playing most of the match with ten men. He was unable to save any of the Bosnian penalties in a 4-1 shoot-out defeat, leaving the four-time champions shellshocked.
'Last night, after the match, I cried,' he wrote on Instagram. 'I cried because of the disappointment of not being able to bring Italy where it deserves to be. Words are of little use now, but we must find the courage to turn the page.' Donnarumma made his Italy debut at 16 but will now not play in a World Cup until he is at least 31.
Matty Cash – Poland
While Italy's failure dominated headlines, Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash endured his own agony as Poland were beaten 3-2 by Sweden. Cash played the full match as Viktor Gyokeres scored an 88th-minute winner to dash Polish hopes. Sweden, now managed by Graham Potter, had failed to win a single qualifying match but seized their second chance via the Nations League pathway. Cash misses out on a second World Cup after featuring at Qatar 2022, with Poland's failure likely ending Robert Lewandowski's international career.
Nathan Collins – Republic of Ireland
The Brentford defender appeared to have played a crucial role in Ireland's push for a first World Cup since 2002. Collins was fouled for the penalty that saw Troy Parrott open the scoring against the Czech Republic last week, and he rattled the crossbar as Ireland sought to secure victory. Despite leading 2-0 on the night, heartbreak followed as the Czech Republic fought back to level and eventually win on penalties.
Riccardo Calafiori – Italy
Calafiori was on the pitch throughout Italy's play-off against Bosnia and has faced sharp criticism from the Italian press following the defeat. Corriere della Sera declared that 'elegance isn't enough' when analysing his performance, while Corriere dello Sport suggested the Arsenal defender had been 'outplayed' during the loss.
Milos Kerkez – Hungary
Hungary's World Cup fate was sealed back in November when they dramatically missed out on the play-offs. Kerkez was part of the Hungary side that seemed poised to finish as group runners-up behind Portugal, but their dreams were shattered by a last-minute Troy Parrott hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland in Budapest.
Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon
Mbeumo scored four times for Cameroon in their qualifying group, but it was insufficient as the Indomitable Lions finished behind Cape Verde, who will make their World Cup debut this summer. Cameroon had a second chance as one of the best second-placed teams but were undone by a stoppage-time Chancel Mbemba goal for DR Congo in a play-off semi-final. DR Congo ultimately qualified by beating Nigeria on penalties and Jamaica in extra time on Tuesday.
Sandro Tonali – Italy
The Newcastle midfielder did everything possible to end Italy's World Cup curse, scoring and assisting in their 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-final. Tonali was the only Italian player to convert his penalty in the shoot-out against Bosnia, but he could only watch as Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their spot-kicks. His summer focus will now shift to club matters, with Manchester United among suitors.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Hungary
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool's shining light this season but will be one of the highest-profile absentees from the World Cup. The Hungary captain will have the summer off after their stunning defeat to the Republic of Ireland in November. At 25, he will have further chances to end Hungary's long wait for a World Cup return, with the nation last appearing in 1986.
Harry Wilson – Wales
Fulham's star man carried Welsh hopes in their play-off semi-final against Bosnia in Cardiff last week, scoring from the spot to give Craig Bellamy's side an early lead. However, missed penalties from Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams saw Welsh hopes evaporate. Wilson's contract expires after his best season, making his club future the summer focus.
Patrick Dorgu – Denmark
The Manchester United star was helpless as Denmark's World Cup fate was decided in his absence due to injury. Dorgu had shown sparkling form prior to suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal in January. Denmark equalised twice against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, but lost 3-1 on penalties, with former United team-mate Rasmus Hojlund hitting the crossbar.
Benjamin Sesko – Slovenia
Sesko will be another Manchester United player with the summer off after Slovenia managed only four points in qualifying, drawing four times and losing twice. Slovenia finished above Sweden in their group, but Sweden qualified via the Nations League pathway. Sesko failed to score in four qualifying appearances and missed the final two matches through injury. At 22, he will have future opportunities to help Slovenia end their World Cup drought.
