Despite a standout season at Crystal Palace, the 22-year-old midfielder was the notable omission from the 26-man party travelling to North America.
Wharton has been one of the Eagles’ key performers this campaign, playing a major role in their Conference League success and earning widespread praise for his development since arriving from Blackburn Rovers.
"That's just part of football. It was never a guarantee I was going to go. I knew that," Wharton told the media.
"When he called me, he just told me I wasn't there. He said it was close. But yeah, like I said, that's football. I'm not going to sit here and cry about it.
“Still had two games for Palace to go. Obviously tonight being a massive one, I don't really dwell on those things too much. It's not the end of the world. I'm still young."