While the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered unforgettable drama and historic milestones, it also served as a harsh stage for some of football's biggest superstars. Here are the five star players who failed to live up to the hype and underperformed on the game's biggest stage (Pics: FIFA World Cup)

Lionel Messi-less Argentina cruised to a 2-0 win against Honduras, while Brazil registered a 2-1 win against Egypt without their star striker Neymar. Argentina and Brazil are two of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Pics: AFP)