The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate stage for soccer's biggest stars, but not every legend will be lighting up the tournament this summer. As the 48-team competition kicks off on June 11, fans will be left wondering what might have been, as injuries and qualifying heartbreaks have sidelined some of the game's most electrifying talents.
Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup is a major blow, robbing the tournament of several elite players. But the long, grueling European club season has also taken its toll, with a surge of serious injuries over the past few months leaving stars devastated and fans disappointed.
Here are five superstars you won't see on the pitch this summer:
Xavi Simons (Netherlands)
One of the brightest young attacking midfielders in the world, Simons has dazzled fans at PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, and most recently Tottenham Hotspur. But his World Cup dreams came crashing down after a ruptured ACL during a Premier League match last month. "Heartbroken" is how the Dutch star described missing out on what would have been his first major international tournament.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
The Georgian winger, nicknamed "Kvaradona" for his dazzling dribbling and creativity, burst onto the global scene with Napoli. While his country's failure to qualify means we won't see his magic at the World Cup, his performances at Euro 2024—including a memorable goal against Portugal—proved he belongs among the elite.
Hugo Ekitike (France)
The powerful striker has been a rising force for Liverpool, but injury concerns have kept him off the pitch during crucial qualifying windows. Despite France's depth up front, Ekitike's absence leaves a gap in the squad's attacking options, especially after his impressive form in the 2025 FA Community Shield.
Milos Kerkez (Hungary)
The dynamic left-back, known for his overlapping runs and defensive tenacity, has been a key player for Liverpool and the Hungarian national team. However, Hungary's failure to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team field means fans will miss his energetic performances on the world stage.
Italy's Missing Stars
The entire Italian squad—from veteran defenders to creative midfielders—will be watching from home. For a nation with four World Cup titles, this third straight absence is a historic low. Players like Nicolò Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluigi Donnarumma would have been tournament headliners, but their absence leaves a void in the competition's narrative.
As you gear up for World Cup season, remember that the beautiful game is also about resilience. Whether you're cheering for your nation or just loving the sport, stay inspired by these players' journeys—and get ready to make your own statement on the pitch with our latest performance gear.