The 2026 World Cup is still a year away, but the buzz is already building around the tournament. With the expansion to 48 teams, the competition promises to be more exciting than ever, and the anticipation is palpable. But amidst the excitement, there's a quiet debate brewing about the players who might not get their chance to shine. An XI of unused players from the quarter-finalists, including some big names, has been revealed, and it's sparked some interesting discussions. Let's take a closer look at this team and the stories behind these players.
The XI of Unused Stars
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Spain)
Raya has been a standout performer for Arsenal, but his international career has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Despite being a Premier League champion and Champions League finalist, he's only a second-choice keeper for Spain. The Spanish manager, Luis de la Fuente, has praised Raya's quality, but the lack of playing time at the international level is a concern. It's a mystery why Raya, who is considered one of the best keepers in the world, hasn't been given more opportunities to prove himself. Perhaps it's a case of the manager's preference or the keeper's own form. Either way, it's a fascinating situation that raises questions about the dynamics of international football.
Right-back: Zakaria El Ouahdi (Morocco)
El Ouahdi's journey to the World Cup has been a bit of a fairytale. With a potential visa issue due to his father's beard, he almost missed out. But a quick chat between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino might have saved the day. Despite his talent, El Ouahdi hasn't been called upon by the Atlas Lions yet. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, especially considering his Olympics and U23 Africa Cup of Nations success. The question is, will he get his chance to shine on the biggest stage?
Centre-back: Trevoh Chalobah (England)
Chalobah's inclusion in this XI is a bit of a surprise. While he's a talented player, his selection as a standby list promotion after an injury-forced withdrawal raises questions. The manager's reasoning, which involves freeing up other players for different positions, seems a bit convoluted. If Chalobah does get his World Cup debut, it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure. The Dan Burn blueprint, where players throw themselves in the way of anything that moves, might be a strategy he adopts.
Centre-half: Koni De Winter (Belgium)
De Winter's situation is a bit of a tale of two halves. After a promising debut season at AC Milan, he's struggled to find his place in the Belgium defence. The competition from established stars like Vincent Kompany and Toby Alderweireld is fierce. But De Winter's young age and potential make him a player to watch. The appointment of Ruben Amorim as Milan's manager might be a turning point for him, but he'll need to quickly adapt to a back three system.
Left-back: Lucas Hernandez (France)
Hernandez's story is a bit of a rollercoaster. A world champion in 2018, he's missed just 40 minutes of France's successful campaign. But injuries have plagued him, and he's found himself on the bench for most of the recent tournaments. His brother, Theo, has started games for Al-Hilal, but Lucas has been made to wait. With his versatility and talent, Hernandez is a player who could make a big impact if given the chance. But will he get his moment in the sun?
Right-winger: Victor Munoz (Spain)
Munoz's versatility is one of his key strengths, and it's no surprise that Liverpool snapped him up this summer. But his lack of playing time for Spain is a bit of a mystery. With players like Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal around, Munoz might be feeling the heat. The question is, will he get the chance to shine in the World Cup, or will he be another talented player who falls short?
Central midfielder: N'Golo Kante (France)
Kante's return to the France fold is a bit of a surprise. After a year in the wilderness, he's been given an 'important role' by the manager. But his tournament record is a bit of a mixed bag. From being a substitute at Euro 2016 to possibly being the most important player at the 2018 World Cup, Kante's journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster. An injury to Aurelien Tchouameni and Manu Kone's suspension might give him a chance to shine, but it's a tight call.
Central midfielder: Warren Zaire-Emery (France)
Zaire-Emery's situation is a bit of a tale of two seasons. After a phenomenal year with Paris Saint-Germain, he's found himself on the bench for France. The manager's favourites seem to have taken precedence, and Zaire-Emery's 11 caps have come in friendlies and qualifiers. But his talent is undeniable, and he's willing to fill in wherever needed. The question is, will he get his chance to shine in the World Cup, or will he be another player who falls short?
Central midfielder: Martin Zubimendi (Spain)
Zubimendi's situation is a bit of a supply-and-demand conundrum. After a stellar debut season at Arsenal, he finds himself behind Rodri in the international pecking order. But his hands-on role at Euro 2024, where he helped steer Spain past England, shows his potential. The question is, will he get his moment in the Americas, or will he be another player who falls short?
Left-winger: Alex Grimaldo (Spain)
Grimaldo's versatility is one of his key strengths, and it's helped him deliver success at Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid. But his proclivity to go forward might not be best served under Diego Simeone. The question is, will he get the chance to shine in the World Cup, or will he be another player who falls short?
Centre-forward: Ivan Toney (England)
Toney's inclusion in this XI is a bit of a surprise. But Thomas Tuchel's reaction, which suggests that it will all become clear in the final, hints at a big role for him. The question is, will he get his chance to shine on the biggest stage, or will he be another player who falls short?
The Takeaway
This XI of unused players from the quarter-finalists is a fascinating insight into the dynamics of international football. With players like Raya, El Ouahdi, and Kante, it's a reminder that talent alone isn't enough. The competition for places is fierce, and the pressure to perform is immense. But for these players, it's a chance to shine and prove their worth. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a spectacle, and these players might just be the ones to surprise us all.
