Despite the high expectations that accompanied the most famous stars of world football, not all of them managed to leave their mark on the 2026 World Cup. The American media outlet Bleacher Report has published the lineup with 11 footballers who, according to its assessment, were the biggest disappointments of the tournament held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Manuel Neuer has been selected in goal, while the defense consists of Reece James, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jonathan Tah and Lucas Digne. The midfield includes Federico Valverde, Vitinha, Noni Madueke and Leroy Sane, players who were expected to make a much greater contribution during the tournament.
In attack, Bleacher Report has selected Ivory Coast talent Yan Diomande, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who according to the medium failed to have the impact expected from one of the biggest names in football history.
There is also a familiar name on the bench. Roberto Martinez, who led Portugal during the tournament and left the post after the competition, was chosen as the coach who disappointed the most at the 2026 World Cup.
According to Bleacher Report, this lineup reflects the difference between the high expectations that fans and experts had for these players and the performances they showed on the field during the World Cup.
