Big names snubbed from World Cup squads

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now just under a month away, several high-profile players have already found out they will not be at the tournament.

The World Cup is set to get underway on 11 June, with Bafana Bafana scheduled to face co-hosts Mexico in the showpiece curtain-raiser in the country's capital, Mexico City.

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This week, several participating nations announced their provisional squads, with some containing up to 54 or 55 players.

As such, there have already been some noteworthy exclusions for reasons unrelated to injury or any other medical issue.

Reigning world champions Argentina confirmed a Lionel Messi-led, star-studded squad, which notably did not include Paulo Dybala.

The AS Roma star won the tournament with Argentina in 2022, but this time coach Lionel Scaloni opted to leave out the now 32-year-old amid an underwhelming season in which he has scored just three goals in all competitions, according to Transfermarkt.

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Sticking with South America, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti left out Manchester City winger Savinho.

Also referred to as Savio, the attacker has played a fringe role under City boss Pep Guardiola, with Brazil instead opting for the likes of Real Betis winger Antony and Bournemouth's Rayan.

The list of noteworthy exclusions looks set to continue over the course of the week.