10 big-name players who never played a minute at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Making a FIFA World Cup squad is a dream for every footballer. But for some players at the 2026 tournament, that dream ended without a single minute of action on the pitch.

Although all 48 participating nations named full squads for the expanded tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico, a number of high-profile stars watched every game from the bench due to tactical decisions, injuries or stiff competition for places.

Here are 10 notable players who completed the 2026 FIFA World Cup without making a single appearance.

N’Golo Kante (France)

The veteran midfielder was part of France’s squad but did not feature in any of their matches. Despite his experience and key role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, coach Didier Deschamps left the 35-year-old unused throughout the tournament, including the third-place playoff against England.