Real Madrid · UEFA Nations League · Defender · #12 · England · 27 yrs
This competition may miss a huge talent as the 2026 World Cup is missing Trent Alexander-Arnold from England. When a player changes from one club to another the expectation is to take a step forward. While going from Liverpool to Real Madrid could be seen as such, the 2026 World Cup omission of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s by England may be the other way. Alexander-Arnold is missing the competition because Thomas Tuchel did not call him up. The manager surprised many when he left the right back out of the squad, opting for more defensive players in that position. That stylistic gap became even more evident after Tuchel had to replace the injured full-back Tino Livramento after a training-ground issue. His choice was Trevoh Chalobah, a natural centre-back, which makes it clear that Alexander-Arnold does not fit his system. Alexander-Arnold’s season with Real Madrid The major move that took Alexander-Arnold from the club where he spent his entire career to Real Madrid came with different conditions, including a 10-million-euro fee in June, when his new club decided to bring him in early for the Club World Cup before his contract expired. Chalobah was called up by Tuchel to replace Livramento (George Wood/Getty Images) In the end, it was a chaotic spell for the right back, who can also play in midfield thanks to his ability to create chances, with injuries affecting him throughout his first year. Alexander-Arnold’s numbers at Real Madrid matched the disappointing season the club had as they failed to win a trophy. The right back played 1,800 minutes in 30 matches across La Liga and the Champions League, without scoring a goal. The right backs Tuchel’s decision not to call up Alexander-Arnold, even after Livramento’s injury, suggests he does not see him as a strong fit for his system. Livramento was already ahead in the pecking order, with Reece James established as the starter for the manager. Even if he were unavailable, Djed Spence can also play at right back. Other players with experience in that role, while mainly centre-backs, include the recently called Chalobah, who will not be ready for the match against Croatia, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and John Stones.
The 2026 World Cup will be missing several of global soccer's biggest stars, enough to construct an incredibly elite Absent XI watching from home. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an unprecedented, historic spectacle. For the first time, 48 teams will compete across three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—chasing the ultimate glory in soccer history. The tournament in North America is ready to welcome icons of the game like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe. Yet, a striking list of world-class talent will be noticeably missing from the pitch this summer. For some, an agonizingly timed injury shattered their World Cup dreams, as seen with Brazil’s Eder Militao and Rodrygo, or Germany’s Serge Gnabry. For others, the omission comes down to strict, high-stakes managerial decisions. Powerhouse nations boast such intense roster competition that managers have ruthlessly left behind star names, highlighted by Thomas Tuchel’s shocking decisions to omit Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold from England’s final 26-man squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold of England. (Getty Images) The 2026 World Cup Absent XI Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy): Despite racking up 64 caps and an Euros trophy for his country, the Manchester City star will incredibly miss his third consecutive World Cup after Italy once again failed to qualify. Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold (England): In one of the most controversial roster cuts of the year, England boss Thomas Tuchel opted to leave the elite playmaker out of his tactical plans for North America.Harry Maguire (England): Another high-profile casualty of Tuchel’s defensive overhaul for the Three Lions.Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands): The Manchester United center-back was forced to accept defeat and miss the tournament entirely after undergoing corrective back surgery in mid-May.Marcos Acuña (Argentina): A 2022 World Cup winner who will not be defending the crown, having been entirely excluded from Lionel Scaloni’s highly competitive squad. Midfielders Sandro Tonali (Italy): Much like his compatriot Donnarumma, the dynamic Newcastle midfielder is trapped on the outside looking in due to Italy’s qualification failure.Eduardo Camavinga (France): In a testament to France’s terrifying midfield depth, the Real Madrid star was left out of Didier Deschamps’ final World Cup squad selection.Cole Palmer (England): Perhaps the most shocking tactical omission in the World Cup. Despite a sensational club season, Palmer was left off England’s flight to the United States by Tuchel. Forwards Rodrygo (Brazil): The Seleção frontline takes a massive hit as the Real Madrid winger was officially ruled out due to a late physical injury.Robert Lewandowski (Poland): The legendary striker misses out on one final World Cup run after Poland suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Sweden in the UEFA playoff final.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia): The PSG star won’t bring his signature flair to North America, as Georgia was unable to navigate the brutal European qualifying cycles.
