The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, with Spain crowned champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Behind the celebrations of the tournament’s heroes, however, were several high-profile players who finished the competition without making a single appearance.
Of the 1,248 players registered by all participating teams, almost every player logged minutes on the field. However, a handful spent the entire tournament on the bench throughout the competition held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Interestingly, the list includes several well-known footballers who have established strong reputations at both club and international level.
According to ESPN, the most surprising name is N’Golo Kanté.
The 35-year-old French midfielder was not used at all by Didier Deschamps, including in France’s defeat to England in the third-place playoff.
Kanté was one of the key figures when France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
A similar fate befell England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The Manchester United youngster failed to play a single minute after falling ill ahead of the third-place match.
Among world champions Spain, four players lifted the trophy without making an appearance during the tournament.
They were Víctor Muñoz, David Raya, and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Raya was unable to displace Unai Simón, who delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament, while Muñoz was sidelined by an injury early in the competition.
Intense competition in defense also left several renowned defenders without an opportunity to play.
Juventus defender Bremer could not break into Brazil’s preferred central defensive pairing of Marquinhos and Gabriel.
Meanwhile, Uruguay’s Ronald Araújo missed the tournament after suffering an injury before it began, as Uruguay were ultimately eliminated in the group stage.
Portugal also had a player in the same situation, with Gonçalo Inácio unable to earn playing time due to fierce competition in defense.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper James Trafford remained on the bench throughout England’s World Cup campaign, while Netherlands midfielder Mats Wieffer was not given an opportunity because Denzel Dumfries was consistently preferred on the right side of the defense.
Top 10 Players Who Did Not Play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- N’Golo Kanté (France)
- Kobbie Mainoo (England)
- Víctor Muñoz (Spain)
- David Raya (Spain)
- James Trafford (England)
- Bremer (Brazil)
- Ronald Araújo (Uruguay)
- Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain)
- Gonçalo Inácio (Portugal)
- Mats Wieffer (Netherlands)
Despite failing to record a single minute on the pitch, all of these players remained part of their respective national team squads throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Some even returned home as world champions, including Spain’s four squad members who lifted the trophy despite never stepping onto the field during the tournament.***
