Football Giants Absent: Italy, Nigeria and More Miss Out on 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Yet several traditional powers failed to qualify despite the expanded slots. Four-time champions Italy stumble for a third straight edition, raising doubts about their player pipeline. Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffer heartbreak, denying fans a chance to see stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on football’s biggest stage. Poland’s campaign collapse may mark the end of the Lewandowski era, while Chile and Cameroon also fall short amid fierce competition. The absence of these nations underlines how tough qualification has become. As the tournament approaches, debates will centre on development, squad rebuilding and whether the new format truly opens doors for emerging sides.

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