The starting XI of players not called up that would win the 2026 World Cup

World Cup squad announcements always spark debate, especially with some nations yet to finalise their lists or still working through extended provisional groups.

Argentina, the Netherlands and Uruguay are among those keeping things open, but a number of high-profile omissions are already shaping the tournament build-up.

With that in mind, HITC has built a team of fit players set to miss out for technical reasons, and it could seriously compete at the highest level.

HITC’s omitted XI has balance, control and match-winners

Nick Pope starts in goal, bringing Premier League experience and a commanding presence behind a back four filled with tournament-ready talent.

Trent Alexander-Arnold takes the right-back spot, with Harry Maguire and Dean Huijsen forming the centre-back pairing, while Alvaro Carreras adds energy and balance on the left.

The midfield is built for control. Adam Wharton sets the tempo, Eduardo Camavinga brings World Cup final experience, and Morgan Gibbs-White – who recorded 25 goal contributions throughout the season – provides direct running and creativity.

West Ham standout Mateus Fernandes completes the midfield, offering another technical option who can receive under pressure and move the ball forward.

Up front, it is an all-Chelsea pairing who combined for 31 goals this season: Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, a duo with enough movement, invention and finishing ability to trouble any defence.

The side would shape up in a 4-4-2 diamond, with Wharton at the base, Camavinga and Fernandes as the eights, Gibbs-White as the number 10, and Palmer just off Joao Pedro.

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