World Cup absentees emerge as key transfer targets this summer

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will see numerous high-profile players absent due to their teams failing to qualify or being left out of national squads. Some missing players are creating transfer buzz ahead of the summer window. Among them are Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, who is expected to secure a major Premier League transfer following his omission from England's squad. Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion are also garnering interest. Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and Real Madrid's Alvaro Carreras face uncertainty as managerial assessments could influence their futures. Eduardo Camavinga's absence from France's squad adds more speculation on his position at Madrid, as he looks to rebound from a challenging season.

• 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2026 absentees: Eight transfer targets who could seal major summer moves