Four-time world champions Italy are the highest-ranked team who will not be playing at the World Cup this summer.
Despite their status as an elite team in international football, Italy have failed to qualify for the last three World Cups.
They have also been eliminated in the group stage of their only two appearances at the finals since they won the World Cup in 2006.
Italy lost on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March 2026 to deny them a place at this year's World Cup but they remain 12th in the World Rankings.
Denmark are the next highest team on the list in 21st place and they will be absent from the World Cup after losing on penalties to Czech Republic in March.
26th placed Nigeria are also prominent on the list along with European nations Ukraine and Poland.
Cameroon are the only other non-European nation in the top 10, while the likes of Wales and Serbia feature after also failing to qualify.
Highest ranked nations who won't be playing at the 2026 World Cup
- Italy
- Denmark
- Nigeria
- Ukraine
- Poland
- Russia
- Wales
- Serbia
- Hungary
- Cameroon
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