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Zubimendi, Mainoo and players with zero World Cup minutes so far
12th July, 2026 06:08 PM
The 2026 World Cup has set the football world alight with world-class performances. Yet, while national teams have called up only the best from their respective clubs, the tournament has provided a surprising narrative for several elite stars who have remained completely unused for the duration of the games so far.
Among those waiting in the wings is Arsenal’s high-flying pair, David Raya and Martín Zubimendi.
While Raya’s secondary role remains entirely understandable as he fulfills deputy duties for Spain’s established first-choice keeper Unai Simón, midfielder Zubimendi’s peripheral status has become one of the talking points of the tournament.
The defensive midfielder entered the World Cup competition fresh off a spectacular domestic season where he lifted the Premier League trophy with Arsenal.
He even claimed the Premier League Goal of the Month award for September with a stunning volley against Nottingham Forest, yet he remains anchored to the bench due to the sublime form of Spain’s captain, Rodri.
The narrative is identical in the England camp under Thomas Tuchel. Manchester United’s breakout midfield sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, has similarly registered zero minutes at the tournament.
Mainoo fought incredibly hard to secure his spot on the plane, outgrowing a torrid tenure under Ruben Amorim to a flourishing start under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
However, Tuchel has consistently favoured experience, even deploying full-back Reece James as the defensive midfield late in the quarter-final win over Norway at expense of the midfielder of Ghanaian descent
Joining Mainoo on the list of unused Three Lions are Manchester City’s young goalkeeper James Trafford and Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson.
The custodians have understandably been kept waiting, with Jordan Pickford enjoying a fine run between the posts.
Pickford has started every single match, recently breaking Peter Shilton’s all-time England goalkeeper record with his 18th World Cup cap.
France’s N’Golo Kanté is also in the same boat. Despite boasting world-class pedigree as a 2018 World Cup winner, the Saudi-based player is still waiting for his first single second of World Cup action.
The ‘forgotten stars’ remain hopeful that their coaches can finally look their way as the competition enters the decisive semifinals phase on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
