After the 2026 World Cup concluded, the press revealed the lineup described as the "most disappointing" of the tournament, featuring a group of big names who failed to deliver the expected level, whether due to declining performance, costly errors, or not providing the impact their fans had anticipated.

According to ESPN, in goal, the choice fell on Uruguay's Fernando Muslera, who played in his fifth World Cup after coming out of international retirement earlier this year. However, the 40-year-old goalkeeper committed three direct errors that led to goals, before being substituted by his coach at halftime in the final group stage match against Spain, in a tournament that the network considered beyond his capacity.

In defense, Germany's Joshua Kimmich made the list after coach Julian Nagelsmann deployed him at right-back instead of his natural midfield role, a decision that did not yield the desired success, as the German captain struggled throughout the tournament in a disappointing campaign for the four-time world champions.

Also included was Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, after the Dutch conceded five goals in four matches and lacked their usual defensive solidity. The network saw van Dijk as bearing part of the responsibility as team captain and defensive organizer, in addition to his refusal to take a penalty during the exit against Morocco, while younger players stepped up.

Joshua Kimmich during Germany's round of 32 match against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup (EPA)

The list also featured England's Marc Guéhi, who delivered steady performances until the semifinal against Argentina, where he appeared hesitant in dealing with balls, held onto it too long, and performed far below the expected level for a player of his stature in a match where England needed his best version.

Englishman Rico Lewis failed to adapt to the full-back position throughout the tournament, despite playing there occasionally for Manchester City. The network noted that his natural position is in midfield and that his multiple roles negatively affected him, as opponents exploited his weaknesses in that position.

In midfield, Federico Valverde was selected after Uruguay's disappointing campaign, which ended amid tension and conflicts between coach Marcelo Bielsa and several players. The network considered the Real Madrid player one of the biggest failures in leading his team, as he failed to inspire the squad to advance from a group that was not among the toughest, finishing behind Spain.

Also included was Scotland's Scott McTominay, who entered the tournament with high expectations after his contribution to his country's qualification with a spectacular scissor-kick goal against Denmark in the playoffs. However, the Napoli player failed to replicate his form from Italy at the World Cup, delivering three matches described as lackluster and ineffective.

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes also made the lineup, after a standout season with Manchester United, but again could not translate his club form to the national team. The network noted that Portugal's heavy reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo may have limited his impact, but that does not change the fact that he had a mediocre tournament.

In attack, Germany's Florian Wirtz was chosen, following renewed debate about his technical value after an unconvincing first season with Liverpool, and his impact completely disappeared with the German national team at the World Cup. The network saw that the 23-year-old now needs to prove he is worth his hefty transfer fee of £116.5 million.

Spain's Rodri faces Portugal's Bruno Fernandes during a round of 16 match (EPA)

The list also included American Christian Pulisic, who started the tournament brilliantly in the first half of the opening match against Paraguay before leaving injured at halftime. Though he returned later, he could not regain his form, and his impact vanished entirely in matches where the US team needed its captain.

The lineup concluded with Brazil's Neymar, as the network considered his call-up to the tournament an ill-advised decision by coach Carlo Ancelotti, given his ongoing injury struggles. Neymar played only 37 minutes throughout the tournament, while his inclusion in the squad deprived Chelsea striker João Pedro, who is younger, fitter, and in better form recently, deeming the call-up a mistake on all levels.