World Cup 2026 Injury Update: Which Big Players May Miss the Tournament?
World Cup 2026 Injury Watch: Key Players Racing to Be FitWith the 2026 World Cup just weeks away (starting 11 June), several high-profile players are battling injuries and racing against time to prove their fitness for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Injuries are creating major headaches for international coaches, with some star names facing uncertain futures or confirmed absences.
These Players Likely to Miss the World Cup
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool & France)
The France striker suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in April during Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. He is not expected to return to action until 2027, ruling him out of the World Cup entirely. Ekitike had been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season with 17 goals and 6 assists.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid & Brazil)
Brazil have suffered a major blow with the news that their explosive forward has torn his anterior cruciate ligament. The injury, sustained in March, ends any hope of Rodrygo featuring at the World Cup.
Wataru Endo (Liverpool & Japan)
Japan’s captain is set to miss the tournament after requiring surgery on a serious knee and ankle injury sustained in February. His leadership and experience in midfield will be sorely missed.Players in a Race Against Time.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
The young Spanish star suffered a hamstring injury while scoring against Celta Vigo on 22 April. Barcelona expect him to recover in time for the World Cup, but he will miss the remainder of the domestic season.
Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona & Germany)
Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper is struggling with a long-term hamstring injury that has badly disrupted his preparation. His chances of being ready for Germany’s opening matches are looking increasingly slim.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham & Argentina)
The Argentina defender is sidelined for the rest of the Premier League season with a knee injury. While there is optimism he can recover in time, concerns remain about his lack of match fitness and sharpness.
Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham & Ghana)
Kudus is still recovering from a quad injury that may require surgery. Ghana risk losing their most creative player if his recovery drags on.
Éder Militão (Real Madrid & Brazil)
The Brazilian centre-back is out for the rest of Real Madrid’s season after a hamstring tear. Brazil’s medical team are being cautious due to his history of muscle problems.
Reece James (Chelsea & England)
England’s right-back continues to be plagued by hamstring issues. Having already missed the last two major tournaments, another setback could cost him his place in the squad.
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich & Canada)
Canada’s star player is again struggling with recurring muscle injuries. His explosive pace is vital to Canada’s attack, so any fitness doubts would be a huge blow.
Mikel Merino (Arsenal & Spain)
The Arsenal midfielder has been sidelined since February with a fractured foot. Spain are monitoring his recovery closely and remain wary of rushing him back.
Arda Güler (Real Madrid & Turkey)
The talented Turkish midfielder’s season ended early due to a hamstring injury. While he may recover in time, questions remain over his match sharpness.
Estevão Willian (Chelsea & Brazil)
The teenage forward is recovering from a hamstring tear and will miss the rest of Chelsea’s season. Brazil are hopeful but his lack of recent game time makes his selection uncertain.
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