MOST EXPENSIVE SQUAD TO MISS WORLD CUP: “NEW MARADONA” EXPRESSES REGRET ALONG WITH A MANCHESTER UNITED STAR
2026 World Cup qualifiers officially ended in March, and many world-famous stars will have to stay home and watch the biggest football event on the planet. Recently, The Sun of England compiled a team of the most highly valued players who missed 2026 World Cup, and many believe this imaginary team could compete with any national team.
How has this shocking news affected the entire landscape of this year’s World Cup? Let’s join Taya777 to find out how the story unfolded and which players missed this opportunity!
Goalkeeper
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma (£39 million) is certain to be the starting goalkeeper. This goalkeeper has been playing since he was 16 years old, has won the Champions League, but has never played in the biggest football tournament on the planet. His backup will be Mamardashvili (£29 million), the Liverpool goalkeeper who also missed the World Cup with the Georgian national team.
Defenders
Defense features three Italian players: Dimarco (£43 million), Calafiori (£43 million), and Bastoni (£60 million). It’s clear that Italy has a very high-quality defense and goalkeeper. However, their attack has disappointed fans.
The final player in the defense is Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian player, originally a midfielder, is frequently deployed as a right-back by Arne Slot at Liverpool. Szoboszlai is also the most highly valued player among those who missed the World Cup, with a valuation of £84 million.
In addition, other notable names include Nikola Milenković (£25 million), Milos Kerkez (£35 million), and Illia Zabarnyi (£30 million). Eder Militao (£20 million) is racing against time but is also likely to miss the 2026 World Cup.
Midfielders
In midfield, two prominent names are Carlos Baleba (£47 million) and Sandro Tonali (£69 million). The Cameroonian midfielder was even valued at £120 million by Brighton last summer. Meanwhile, Newcastle also stated they would not let Tonali go without £100 million. Both were once of interest to Manchester United.
Other name is very familiar: Nicolo Barela (£43 million). The Italian player was once sought after by many clubs and is at the peak of his career. Unfortunately, Barela has yet to participate in the biggest football event on the planet. In addition, several other players will also not be participating in the 2026 World Cup, such as Xavi Simons (£43.2 million), Morten Hjulmand (£38.2 million)…
Forwards
Forward line in this squad is also incredibly impressive. It includes Bryan Mbeumo (£49 million), Kvaratskhelia (£78 million), and Ekitike (£78 million). Mbeumo and Kvaratskhelia failed to qualify with their national teams. Meanwhile, Ekitike’s case is the most regrettable. He’s having a great season at Liverpool but recently suffered a heel injury and will definitely miss 2026 World Cup.
Reserve forwards are also noteworthy, such as Victor Osimhen (£64.8 million), Benjamin Sesko (£56.1 million), Rodrygo (£43.2 million), and Rasmus Hojlund (£43.2 million).
