They fell short of expectations.
This World Cup saw many stars take the stage, but a few failed to make their mark during the tournament.
From lackluster performances to minimal statistical impact, let’s take a look at five prominent players we anticipated more from at this World Cup.
It’s an obvious choice. At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo showed signs of his age, despite scoring twice against a modest Uzbekistan team and converting a penalty against Croatia.
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Throughout the tournament, he was largely absent in open play, failing to position himself effectively to finish moves, and received little rotation. The Portuguese great captured the frustrations surrounding the Portugal national team.
This likely being his last World Cup, it certainly felt as if it was one too many for Cristiano Ronaldo.
📸 RONALDO SCHEMIDT – AFP or licensors
It’s possible to be a world champion yet have a tournament that feels quite disappointing.
Technically unrecognizable and with minimal influence in Spain’s early matches, Pedri floated through this World Cup like a shadow, eventually being replaced by Fabian Ruiz from the quarter-finals onwards.
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His only redeeming moment came during a solid cameo in the World Cup final against Argentina.
📸 David Ramos – 2026 Getty Images
In what seemed like his final World Cup appearance, he too failed to meet expectations, especially after a stellar AFCON 2025.
With almost no contributions in attack—aside from a single assist—the Senegalese star could only watch as the Lions of Teranga faced a heartbreaking exit.
A bittersweet farewell for a football legend.
📸 Fran Santiago – 2026 Getty Images
Colombia, regarded as dark horses with real aspirations, paid dearly for their inability to capitalize on chances in attack during this World Cup.
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As the time comes for reflection, eyes inevitably turn to the frontman of their attack, who had a stellar season with Bayern Munich.
The Colombian fans certainly expected more from their left winger, who was limited to just one goal and one assist.
📸 David Ramos – 2026 Getty Images
A challenging World Cup for the French talent. Restricted to a supersub role, he struggled to find his rhythm in the tournament.
Passive in his substitute appearances, awkward on the ball, and often surprisingly lackadaisical, Rayan Cherki did not deliver the anticipated impact on this tournament.
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His notably poor performance, coupled with his confrontation with Didier Deschamps during the third-place match, only added to a disappointing World Cup experience.
📸 RONALDO SCHEMIDT – AFP or licensors
Who disappointed you the most at this World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.