Big Football Names Missing from the World Cup 2023 You Have to Know Right Now
The stage was set for the grandest spectacle in women’s football, the World Cup, but a cruel twist of fate across the board means many stars won’t be gracing the pitch. This has left fans and betting enthusiasts on platforms like GGBet recalibrating their predictions. With some of the game’s most illustrious names sidelined, their absence will be keenly felt by not only their national teams but also neutrals looking forward to their magic and prowess.
Beth Mead — England
Beth, an exceptional forward for Arsenal and England, picked up an ACL injury sustained in November against Manchester United. Her accolades include being the top scorer and player of the tournament at Euro 2022, meaning she was a pivotal part of England’s historic win. Mead’s absence is a significant blow for the Lionesses and fans of her attacking prowess and game-changing abilities.
Nadia Nadim — Denmark
Nadia’s journey from Afghanistan to Denmark and then to the pinnacle of women’s football is nothing short of inspirational. A forward renowned for her technical skills and quick feet, Nadia has always been crucial to the Danes’ setup on the field. Unfortunately, an ACL tear has ruled her out of the showpiece as well, robbing her of the chance to add another chapter to her phenomenal career.
Sam Coffey — USWNT
Midfielder Sam Coffey’s excellence at defensive duties and playmaking is undeniable, considering her record with the Portland Thorns. As such, pundits and fans are left scratching their heads over her inexplicable exclusion from the USWNT World Cup roster. Her all-round abilities on and off the ball make her outstanding in the team, making the decision more baffling.
Vivianne Miedema — the Netherlands
With 95 goals in only 118 appearances, Vivianne’s goalscoring records are incredible by any standard. She’s the country’s highest goalscorer, so imagine the heartbreak for Oranje fans when she picked up an ACL injury last December. Vivianne will be sorely missed not only for her finishing skills but also for her experience on the grandest stage.
Leah Williamson — England
Leah Williamson captains the Lionesses and sits at the heart of Arsenal’s defence in the Premier League. Her leadership and phenomenal defensive capabilities mean she’s been a cornerstone for both her national team and club. Her absence will be sorely felt by the former, especially with the quality of the star already missing from their roster.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto — France
The ACL disaster rears its ugly head again with Marie-Antoinette, a prolific goalscorer for Les Bleus. She sustained this injury on duty during Euro 2022, and remains a huge gap to fill. For perspective, Marie is PSG’s all-time leading scorer and has plunged 26 across 32 apps for the national team, too. It’s impossible to overstate her importance to The Blues.
Janine Beckie — Canada
Another remarkable Portland Thorns player is missing the World Cup but for a right-knee ligament tear picked up during a pre-season match for the club. Janine Beckie is a natural forward, but her versatility remains why any team would want her. She has filled in at right back when necessary and boasts an impressive haul of 36 goals in 101 appearances, considering her all-round abilities.
Catarino Macario — USWNT
Many USWNT fans tipped Catarina to lay her mark at the 2023 showpiece, but an ACL tear means this promising talent won’t be on the pitch in Australia or New Zealand. Having already proven herself at Stanford University and now doing so at Lyon, her absence is a bitter pill to stomach, as her skill set and potential impact remain world-class.
Look Forward to the World Cup Regardless
While the absence of Beth Mead and other football superstars from the 2023 World Cup is a stark reminder of the thin line between success and setbacks in sports, the event promises to deliver. The absence of these players will give others a chance to shine, not to mention that it’d be interesting to see how each team tries to make up for their missing gamechangers.