The Five Highest-Ranked Nations Not At 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup may be the first to feature 48 teams, but even with more places than ever, some of international football’s biggest names are watching from home—reshaping both the tournament and the surrounding sports betting markets.
Italy, ranked 12th in the world, are the highest-ranked absentee, missing a third consecutive World Cup after losing a play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For a nation with four world titles and the Euro 2020 trophy, it is a remarkable fall from grace, with the Azzurri not appearing at the finals since 2014.
Denmark, 21st, are next, beaten on penalties by the Czech Republic in their play-off. Their absence ends a run of recent qualifications for a s...