As FIFA kicks off its first expanded Club World Cup in the United States with an eye-watering $1 billion prize pool, fans may be disappointed by the absence of some of football's biggest names. While the tournament promises action and global attention, several superstars won’t be gracing the American pitches due to club ineligibility or personal setbacks.

Among the most notable absentees is Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite speculation that he might switch clubs to participate, the Al Nassr forward remains in Saudi Arabia. Mohamed Salah, after a stellar season with Liverpool, also misses out as his club didn't qualify under the revised rules. The Egyptian’s teammate Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool target Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen are similarly sidelined.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, a strong Ballon d’Or contender and highlight reel regular, will not travel with the Spanish champions, who failed to qualify. His absence, along with those of teammates Raphinha, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski, is a blow to fans hoping for high-voltage action.

Bukayo Saka, the standout winger from Arsenal, also sits out the competition. Despite Arsenal’s strong Champions League run, they missed a spot at the Club World Cup, costing Saka another shot at silverware.

Brazilian superstar Neymar, having returned to Santos after injuries at Al-Hilal, was expected to draw global attention. But his fitness and his team’s absence rule him out, much to the disappointment of commercial partners and fans alike.

While players like Lionel Messi are expected to headline the tournament, the lack of star power from these missing names underscores the unpredictability of FIFA’s qualification rules. With ticket sales and media buzz crucial to the tournament’s success, the absence of these icons is noticeable a reminder that even a billion-dollar event isn't guaranteed star-studded participation.