Will the absence of star players like Robert Lewandowski impact global viewership and interest in the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Several high-profile players—including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Victor Osimhen, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—will miss the tournament after their national teams failed to qualify. For veterans like Lewandowski, this could mark the end of their World Cup careers. However, the World Cup historically remains resilient to individual absences, driven more by national teams and emerging stars than specific players. New talents and competitive storylines often offset missing names. The most realistic scenario is minimal overall impact on global interest, though certain regional audiences may see reduced engagement.