Which teams are not in the 2026 World Cup?
Even with the field expanded to 48 teams, several heavyweights failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup.
Here are the biggest absentees.
Italy
Why: They lost the European playoff final to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties on 31 March 2026.
Moise Kean put the Azzurri ahead, but the game finished 1-1 after extra time and Bosnia won the shootout 4-1, according to Al Jazeera’s match report.
It is Italy’s third straight World Cup absence, after also failing to reach 2018 and 2022.
They were also the highest-ranked nation not to make it, sitting 12th in the FIFA world rankings at the time.
Why Is Italy Not in the 2026 World Cup? The Azzurri’s Qualifying Heartbreak Explained
Nigeria
Why: They lost the African (CAF) playoff final to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw, in Rabat in November 2025.
Frank Onyeka gave the Super Eagles an early lead before DR Congo levelled and held their nerve in the shootout.
It is a second consecutive World Cup miss for one of Africa’s most familiar sides.
The Nigeria Football Federation later complained to FIFA over an alleged eligibility breach, but the result stood.
Poland
Why: Poland missed out after losing the European playoff final to Sweden 3-2 on 31 March 2026.
They had beaten Albania 2-1 in the semi-final, but came up short in the decider, per UEFA’s results.
It means another World Cup will pass without striker Robert Lewandowski on the biggest stage.
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Denmark
Why: Denmark are absent after losing their European playoff final to the Czech Republic on penalties, following a 2-2 draw, according to UEFA.
They had cruised past North Macedonia 4-0 in the semi-final before falling at the last hurdle.
Denmark were a fixture at recent major tournaments, making this a painful near-miss.
Cameroon
Why: They finished second in their CAF qualifying group behind Cape Verde, then losing the African playoff semi-final to DR Congo, as World Soccer Talk reports.
A single Chancel Mbemba goal late in the match ended the Indomitable Lions’ campaign.
Cameroon had reached the 2022 World Cup, so their absence ends a recent run of appearances.
Serbia
Why: They finished behind Albania in European qualifying and missed the playoff places entirely, as NBC notes.
It is a disappointing result for a squad packed with established European-league talent.
Serbia also reached the 2022 World Cup, making this a step backwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Italy in the 2026 World Cup?
No. Italy lost the European playoff final to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties on 31 March 2026, missing a third straight World Cup.
Why did Nigeria not qualify?
Nigeria lost the CAF playoff final to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties. A later eligibility complaint to FIFA did not change the result.
When and where is the 2026 World Cup?
It runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 teams for the first time.
Sources
- FIFA — 2026 World Cup hosts, cities and dates
- Al Jazeera — Bosnia and Herzegovina knock Italy out of World Cup 2026 qualifier
- ESPN — Italy miss third straight World Cup in shootout loss to Bosnia
- NBC — The biggest nations that didn’t qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- CAF — DR Congo edge Nigeria on penalties to reach inter-confederation play-off
- FIFA — Nigeria v Congo DR play-off match report
- ESPN — Nigeria files World Cup qualifying complaint to FIFA
- UEFA — European Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup: all the results
- CAF — Mbemba’s stoppage-time winner sends DR Congo to play-off final
- World Soccer Talk — Why Cameroon is missing the 2026 World Cup
- UEFA Group K — 2026 World Cup qualification standings (Serbia, Albania)
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