World Cup Stars Injured: 2026 Finalists at Risk

World Cup Dream on the Line: A Look at Key Player Injuries Ahead of the 2026 Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the ultimate stage for global footballing talent, is just around the corner. For every player, the dream is to represent their nation on this grandest of platforms. However, as the tournament draws closer, the shadow of injury looms large, capable of derailing individual aspirations and national championship hopes alike. From the biggest superstars to crucial depth players, no one is immune to the devastating impact of a significant setback. The Sporting News is keeping a close watch on the latest injury news impacting the stars who are vying for a spot in the competition, which kicks off on June 11 and culminates with the final on July 19.

Stars Ruled Out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Due to Injury

The list of players who will be watching the 2026 World Cup from the sidelines due to injury is growing, a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport can take.

• Rodrygo (FW, Brazil)
  The dynamic Real Madrid winger suffered a devastating ACL tear in early March, a blow that has ended his hopes of participating in the World Cup. His recovery timeline means he will likely miss the tournament and potentially the start of the next club season, requiring a careful and gradual reintroduction to the pitch without a full pre-season.

• Hugo Ekitike (FW, France)
  Liverpool’s promising striker, Hugo Ekitike, sustained a torn right Achilles tendon in mid-April during a Champions League quarterfinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The awkward landing after a jump saw him stretchered off, and subsequent confirmation revealed he would miss the World Cup. This serious injury is expected to sideline him for nine to twelve months, impacting a significant portion of the next club season. Ironically, Ekitike’s injury occurred in the same match that saw Alexander Isak return from his own long-term layoff.

• Serge Gnabry (FW, Germany)
  Bayern Munich’s experienced winger, Serge Gnabry, was forced off the pitch during a Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid, later revealing a severe adductor tear. The 30-year-old’s injury necessitates surgery, with a recovery period of three to four months. While he is expected to return shortly after the start of the next club season, his participation in the World Cup is no longer possible.

• Fermin Lopez (FW, Spain)
  Barcelona’s versatile attacker, Fermin Lopez, will miss the World Cup after fracturing his fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The injury occurred late in the La Liga season, during Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Real Betis. With a recovery time of 6-8 weeks, Lopez will be unable to feature in the tournament.

• Xavi Simons (MF, Netherlands)
  The end of a challenging season for Tottenham saw Xavi Simons suffer an ACL tear in his right leg during a 1-0 win against Wolves. The injury, which occurred shortly after he scored the winning goal, is a cruel twist of fate, ruling him out of the World Cup and likely the first half of next season. This could also impact his club future, potentially keeping him at Spurs if they face relegation.

• Eder Militao (CB, Brazil)
  Adding to Real Madrid’s injury woes, Eder Militao has been forced out of the World Cup due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery. The Brazilian defender was helped off the field in mid-April during a match against Alaves. Despite initial optimism, the need for a surgical procedure has ruled him out of the tournament and will keep him sidelined for several months, with an expected return around October.

• Mohammed Salisu (CB, Ghana)
  Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu suffered an ACL tear in the dying moments of a Ligue 1 match against Lyon in late January. The 27-year-old has been a consistent presence for Ghana since his debut in 2022, but his World Cup aspirations are now dashed.

• Patrick Agyemang (ST, USA)
  The story of Patrick Agyemang, rising from the lower leagues of American soccer to the brink of a World Cup call-up, has been tragically cut short by an Achilles tendon tear. The 25-year-old striker, who had earned national team call-ups and found success with Derby County, was a strong contender for the USMNT squad before suffering a severe ankle injury in early April, ruling him out of the home tournament.

• Johnny Cardoso (CM, USA)
  Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who had emerged as a significant contributor in the latter half of the season, has seen his World Cup hopes vanish due to a “high-grade ankle sprain” sustained in training on May 7. The injury requires surgery, confirming his absence from the tournament. His absence will be a considerable loss for the USMNT’s midfield options.

• Kaoru Mitoma (FW, Japan)
  Japan’s attacking prowess is set to be diminished with the hamstring injury sustained by Kaoru Mitoma. The Brighton & Hove Albion winger was left out of the final squad by coach Hajime Moriyasu, who expressed his sympathy, stating, “This will hurt him more than it hurts anyone.”

• Estevao (FW, Brazil)
  Chelsea’s young talent, Estevao, suffered a hamstring injury in mid-April that initially suggested surgery and guaranteed absence from the World Cup. However, there were efforts to pursue a non-surgical recovery plan with the aim of making him available. Despite these efforts, the 18-year-old was ultimately omitted from the provisional squad, meaning he will not be part of the final group heading to North America.

• Ben White (RB, England)
  Arsenal will be without their key right-back, Ben White, due to a knee injury sustained in a crucial Premier League match against West Ham on May 10. Tests confirmed a “significant medial ligament injury,” and the club’s focus is on his readiness for pre-season preparations, ruling him out of the World Cup.

• Haris Tabakovic (ST, Bosnia & Herzegovina)
  The emergence of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Haris Tabakovic has been vital for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup qualification hopes, especially with Edin Dzeko’s advancing age. Tabakovic’s impressive goal-scoring record in qualifying made him a key figure. However, an ankle fracture in Gladbach’s final Bundesliga match will keep him sidelined for up to six months, forcing him to miss the tournament.

• Billy Gilmour (CM, Scotland)
  Napoli’s Billy Gilmour was named in the Scotland squad but has since been ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury sustained in a friendly match against Curaçao on May 29. The Scottish FA confirmed his withdrawal.

Players Facing a Race Against Time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

For some, the World Cup dream is still alive, but hanging precariously in the balance due to ongoing injury concerns.

• Lamine Yamal (RW, Spain)
  The fitness of Barcelona’s young sensation, Lamine Yamal, is a major talking point for the World Cup. He suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in late April, which typically requires four to six weeks for recovery, potentially allowing him to return just in time. However, reports suggest he is facing a race against time and is a “major doubt” for Spain’s opening group stage games. Depending on their progression, he might only be available for the knockout stages.

• Emiliano Martinez (GK, Argentina)
  Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, suffered a broken finger in warm-ups before Aston Villa’s Europa League final. While he played through the pain, the injury will undoubtedly swell and require time to heal, casting doubt over his availability for the tournament. His ability to make saves with his hands is crucial, making this a significant concern for Argentina.

• Chris Richards (CB, USA)
  Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner stated that defender Chris Richards had “torn two ligaments” in his ankle. While the prognosis is described as “50/50” for his potential participation, ankle injuries are notoriously unpredictable and prone to re-injury, especially so close to a major tournament. U.S. fans are anxiously awaiting updates on the availability of their most important defender.

• Alphonso Davies (LB/LW, Canada)
  Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has endured a season hampered by injuries, starting only eight games. A hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League semi-final second leg has ruled him out for “several weeks.” Canada’s staff will be closely monitoring his progress to determine his World Cup readiness.

• Achraf Hakimi (RB, Morocco)
  Morocco’s star full-back, Achraf Hakimi, picked up a hamstring injury late in the Champions League semi-final first leg. While he walked off under his own power, initial reports indicated he would miss the second leg. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but any absence this close to the World Cup would be a massive blow to Morocco, especially after their recent success.

• Cristian Romero (CB, Argentina)
  Tottenham defender Cristian Romero’s season has been plagued by injuries. A collision with his own goalkeeper resulted in a potentially serious knee injury, with reports suggesting he could miss between five and eight weeks. This timeline puts his World Cup participation in serious doubt, which would be a significant loss for defending champions Argentina.

• Mohamed Salah (FW, Egypt)
  Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah suffered a hamstring injury in late April, raising concerns about his potential absence from the World Cup. However, Liverpool announced that he is expected to return before the end of the club season, meaning his World Cup participation is not in jeopardy.

• Mikel Merino (CM, Spain)
  Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has been sidelined with a broken bone in his foot since late January. His return to full match fitness without club games to aid the process could present a difficult decision for Spain’s manager, potentially jeopardizing his World Cup spot.

• Nico Williams (FW, Spain)
  Athletic Club’s Nico Williams was withdrawn from a match on May 10 with what appeared to be a muscle problem. While initial fears were high, reporting suggests the injury is not as severe as first thought, and he is likely to be sidelined for around three weeks. This adds to Spain’s injury concerns, potentially impacting their wing options alongside Lamine Yamal.

Players Who Have Recovered in Time for World Cup Rosters

Amidst the injury concerns, there are also stories of resilience and timely recoveries, allowing key players to make their national squads.

• Luka Modric (CM, Croatia)
  Croatia’s legendary midfielder, Luka Modric, faced a scare with a broken cheekbone that ended his club season prematurely. However, after undergoing surgery for a “complex, multi-fragment” facial fracture, he is expected to recover in time for the World Cup and has been included in Zlatko Dalić’s final Croatia squad. His experience remains invaluable for the Croatian team.