Italy's absence from the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is a bitter pill to swallow, especially for a nation that lifted the trophy just 20 years ago. The Azzurri failed to qualify for the third consecutive time, falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a heartbreaking penalty shootout during the play-off final. Now, a star-studded lineup of Italian talent will be watching from home, and Transfermarkt has compiled the most valuable XI of players missing the tournament—with five Azzurri making the cut.

At the back, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma stands as the most valuable goalkeeper not heading to the World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper is joined by defensive partners Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori, forming a formidable three-man backline that would trouble any attack. In midfield, the engine room is packed with Italian grit: Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali bring energy and creativity, ensuring the Azzurri's absence is felt in the center of the park.

Up front, the lineup boasts international firepower that won't be on display. Former Serie A stars Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen failed to qualify with Georgia and Nigeria, respectively. Kvaratskhelia, the Napoli dynamo, is the second-most valuable player overall missing the tournament, trailing only Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder also features in this star-studded XI, alongside other notable names like Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton's Carlos Baleba.

Italy fans won't be completely without football this summer, though. The team will play two friendly matches in June under interim coach Silvio Baldini, who is set to announce his squad on May 25. For now, this all-star lineup serves as a stark reminder of the talent that will be sidelined when the world's biggest tournament kicks off—a loss for both Italy and the global stage.