The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, is set to deliver an exhilarating experience filled with top-tier international football.
This summer, hundreds of elite players will seize the opportunity to display their skills, with many potentially eyeing lucrative transfers.
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However, a number of talented individuals will remain inactive for the next few weeks due to being overlooked for the World Cup.
Some players represent teams that didn’t qualify, while others were left out of their national squads by their managers.
An interesting aspect is the considerable number of players missing from the World Cup, who are likely to attract attention when the summer transfer window opens.
Continue reading to explore some of the most noteworthy transfers available from those not participating in the World Cup, starting with a midfielder who has every reason to be disappointed.
Other than Thomas Tuchel, it’s hard to find anyone who believes Jordan Henderson should be in the England squad instead of Adam Wharton.
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At 35, Henderson was underwhelming during his prime, yet he has still been favored over the Crystal Palace star.
Wharton’s impressive outings have sparked transfer rumors, and he appears poised for a significant Premier League transfer this summer.
His omission from the World Cup raises eyebrows and could haunt Tuchel in the long run.
Mateus Fernandes has also caught the attention of many, despite West Ham United’s relegation plight.
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The 21-year-old was not called up to Portugal’s squad, but a high-profile transfer elsewhere could help alleviate the disappointment of missing the World Cup.
He has been linked with Manchester United, although they may hesitate to meet the £80 million fee now that West Ham is in the Championship.
The Red Devils are focusing on fiscal restraint in transfers and could redirect their efforts elsewhere.
Carlos Baleba – Brighton & Hove Albion & Cameroon
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was once viewed as a potential £100 million talent, thanks to a string of standout performances.
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After struggling to match those levels last season, however, the 22-year-old may not command such a fee this summer.
Not participating in the World Cup could work in Baleba’s favor, providing him with a chance to regroup after a challenging year.
He has been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid, making a move elsewhere seem likely this summer.
Riccardo Calafiori played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph last season, and the club is eager to retain him.
However, new Madrid manager Jose Mourinho reportedly has an interest in the Italian international.
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Playing for Madrid might be tempting for the former Bologna star, especially if given guarantees about playing time as a center-back.
Madrid officials have inquired about his status, making it intriguing to see if he’d like to play under Mourinho.
Alvaro Carreras – Real Madrid & Spain
Madrid’s pursuit of Calafiori has stirred speculation regarding Alvaro Carreras’ future at the Bernabeu.
With Ferland Mendy already in their squad, the 23-year-old could find himself lower in the order if Madrid brings in the Arsenal defender.
Reports indicate that Mourinho is not high on Carreras and believes he lacks the necessary quality to be a regular starter under his management.
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After struggling for consistency last season, Carreras was excluded from Spain’s squad and may be on the move soon.
Several prominent players missed out on France’s World Cup squad, including Lucas Chevalier and Randal Kolo Muani.
Nevertheless, the absence of Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga overshadowed their exclusions significantly.
Camavinga faced a tough season with Madrid, highlighted by his dismissal in the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
He has been identified as a potential target for Manchester United, even though their focus may be directed elsewhere at the moment.
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Sandro Tonali, despite being part of a struggling Newcastle United and Italy squad, has been speculated about in connection with a significant transfer this summer.
Tonali frequently started for the Magpies, who concluded the season in 12th place in the Premier League table and out of European contention.
He was also a squad member during Italy’s disappointing campaign, as they became the first former World Cup winners to miss three consecutive tournaments.
Newcastle seems resigned to losing Tonali this summer, with Manchester United and Arsenal emerging as the most likely suitors.
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Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus & Serbia
Following disappointing performances in major tournaments, Serbia ultimately failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Dusan Vlahovic, once seen as a promising star, has struggled, netting just 16 goals in 41 international matches.
His situation at Juventus has mirrored this, as he has not lived up to expectations since transferring from Fiorentina in 2023.
With his contract expiring this summer, Vlahovic might find himself in the Premier League, with links to Newcastle and Chelsea surfacing.