The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already generating significant debate over squad selection decisions made by national team managers.

Every major tournament sees notable absentees, and this expanded 48-team edition is no different, with several high-profile players missing out on the chance to represent their countries.

Squad selection for a World Cup is one of the most pressurised decisions a national coach will ever face, given the scale of the tournament and the global attention it attracts.

The 2026 edition is the largest World Cup in history, with more teams, more matches, and more opportunities for players to make their mark on the international stage.

Despite that expansion, not every star player has earned a place in their respective national squads, leaving fans and pundits questioning certain decisions.

Some absences are the result of form, with players who were previously regular starters having endured difficult club seasons ahead of the tournament.

Others have been left out due to fitness concerns, as managers prefer to bring players who are fully available and capable of competing across a potential seven-match tournament run.

Tactical preferences also play a significant role, as some coaches have opted for squad balance and specific profiles over selecting players purely on reputation or past achievements.

The World Cup remains the pinnacle of international football, and missing out on such a tournament can have a lasting impact on a player’s legacy and career narrative.

With the group stage now underway, attention will naturally shift to those who did make the cut and whether the managers who made the tough calls will ultimately be vindicated.

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