Cömert downcast as Argentina end Switzerland run, exposing Valencia’s World Cup absence | OneFootball

At the 2026 World Cup, Valencia had no contracted player on the pitch for the first time since 1974.

According to Superdeporte, the expanded 48-team event set a record with 1248 players, yet none played for Valencia.

Eray Cömert was their only call-up, but Murat Yakin waited until the quarter-finals to use him. He came on against Argentina in the 94th minute, 12 days after becoming a free agent on 1 July.

He will remain, for at least four years, the last Valencia-owned player to feature at a World Cup. His previous minutes came on 6 December 2022, replacing Fabian Schär at half-time in Portugal 6-1 Switzerland. Three days earlier, Yunus Musah went out with the United States against the Netherlands, 3-1, while Edinson Cavani exited in the groups.

The last total absence dated to 1974, when Spain failed to qualify. From Mario Kempes in 1978 to Wilmar Cabrera in 1986, Valencia always had someone on the grass.

Cabrera left to join Uruguay and never returned after Mexico 1986, though he played two matches totalling 135 minutes. Four decades on, Cömert only stepped on North American turf once he had left Valencia.

The club once sent seven to 1998 and 2002, a record eight to 2006, and seven to 2010. The decline continued through 2018 and 2022, when Uros Racic and Hugo Guillamón did not play.

Cömert was the only Valencia-related name to appear, and only after his deal expired. The club is due FIFA compensation for the release period.

Source: Superdeporte