Dani Carvajal’s doubts – the understandable anxiety of a player who knows he is a legend yet does not currently have a guaranteed place at the 2026 World Cup – are being replicated across the game’s major national teams. His case is far from unique.

The limited minutes he has been given are a concern not only for him but also for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. The same situation is unfolding in Brazil, Germany and Argentina. It is happening in England, Colombia and France as well. These are some of the players facing a similar predicament.

Neymar

In Brazil, the debate revolves around Neymar. Carlo Ancelotti is asked about him at every press conference, but the physical problems affecting the country’s all-time leading scorer, combined with the strong form of others competing for a place, have made any potential return under Ancelotti far more complicated.

Dybala

Injuries are once again the main obstacle for Paulo Dybala. They have prevented him from establishing continuity at Roma and with Argentina. A recent setback could rule him out of the Finalissima, further jeopardizing his chances of making the World Cup squad. He has yet to fully deliver at international level.

Alexander-Arnold

Also hampered by injuries at Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold has not been a guaranteed pick for Thomas Tuchel with England since the German took charge. Reece James appears ahead of him in the pecking order, and even Tino Livramento seems to have moved in front. Without consistent playing time, his position looks increasingly fragile.

Gallagher

Conor Gallagher opted for a move to Tottenham in order to secure the minutes needed to make Tuchel’s squad. After a disappointing spell at Atlético Madrid, however, Tottenham’s current struggles do little to inspire optimism for the English midfielder.

Ter Stegen

An injury has complicated the World Cup outlook for Marc-André ter Stegen, who left Barcelona in the winter to join Girona. The move to a club a tier below seemed like an opportunity to re-enter Julian Nagelsmann’s plans, but his latest setback now casts serious doubt over his chances of being fit in time.

Musiala

Jamal Musiala is gradually working his way back into Vincent Kompany’s plans at Bayern Munich after suffering a serious injury at the Club World Cup. Even so, Bayern’s level is so high that standing out will not be easy. The emergence of young Karl has added another layer of competition that could complicate matters further.

James Rodríguez

If he is even close to full fitness, James Rodríguez is expected to travel with Colombia. To make that happen, he signed with Minnesota United in MLS after a period training alone. His physical condition no longer suits the demands of a top European league, yet in Colombia he remains a figure of enormous regard.

Darwin Núñez

Darwin Núñez was reportedly close to leaving Al Hilal during the winter transfer window, and Karim Benzema’s arrival has further limited his opportunities. Under Marcelo Bielsa he is not an automatic choice for Uruguay, and with his role in Saudi Arabia diminishing, he faces a genuine risk of missing out.

For established stars and once-undisputed starters, the World Cup is no longer a certainty but a battle for relevance, form and fitness in the months that matter most.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.