Diomande? Nakamura? Picking the eliminated players the World Cup will miss most
As the knockout stages unfold, experts pick the standout talents who have already been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Danilo Borges/ copa2014.gov.br Licença Creative Commons Atribuição 3.0 Brasil
The knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup have brought intense drama and stunning upsets. With the tournament progressing rapidly, several exceptional players have already seen their campaigns come to an end.
Writers from The Athletic took a moment to reflect on the talents who are heading home, highlighting those whose performances left a lasting impression. Among them is Ivory Coast's 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, whose pace and trickery have reportedly put him in the sights of clubs like Paris Saint-Germain.
Japan's Keito Nakamura also emerged as one of the revelations of the tournament, praised for his relentless attacking mindset and technical skill. Meanwhile, the goalkeeping heroics of Curacao's Eloy Room, who set a tournament record with 15 saves against Ecuador, provided one of the defining moments for the debutant nation.
The list of departures includes a mix of veterans and rising stars, such as South Africa's combative defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and the creative Jamal Musiala. Each of these players brought something unique to the tournament, even if their teams were unable to advance further.
While the competition continues, the impact of these individual performances remains a talking point. For many, these early exits mark the end of their World Cup journey, but their contributions have undoubtedly added to the spectacle of the 2026 edition.