Full List: Top Players Likely To Miss 2026 World Cup Due To Injury

Several high-profile players have been sidelined by injuries, leaving their national teams in a race against time to assess their fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to commence in June.

A growing injury crisis is casting a shadow over preparations, with uncertainty surrounding key players who are either ruled out or battling to recover in time for selection.

According to BBC Sport on Thursday, the list of affected players cuts across major footballing nations.

Spain, Germany Face Early Concerns

Spain were handed an injury scare after teenage forward Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring problem while scoring for Barcelona against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

Although the incident raised immediate concerns, his club is optimistic he will recover in time, offering some relief to Spain’s technical crew.

Germany, however, faces a more complicated situation with first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.

Naija News reports that the experienced shot-stopper is battling a long-term hamstring injury that has significantly limited his preparation. His chances of being ready for the opening matches are now in doubt, posing a major concern for a squad that relies heavily on his experience.

Brazil Suffer Major Blow

Brazil’s preparations have already been dealt a heavy setback following the injury to Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid forward tore his anterior cruciate ligament in March, ruling him out of the tournament entirely. His absence deprives the team of one of its most dynamic attacking threats and reduces their options in the final third.

Romero Injury Worries Argentina

Argentina defender Cristian Romero is also facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury.

The 27-year-old was forced off during Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League defeat at Sunderland in April following a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

He has since been ruled out for the remainder of the club season, raising concerns about his readiness for international duty.

Davies’ Fitness Key to Canada

Canada’s hopes could hinge on the fitness of Alphonso Davies, who is once again battling recurring muscle injuries.

The Bayern Munich star’s pace and attacking ability are central to Canada’s strategy, but persistent fitness issues have cast doubt on whether he will be at his best when the tournament begins.

Midfield Setbacks for Spain, Japan

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has been sidelined since February due to a fractured foot.

While he remains in contention, medical staff are cautious about rushing his recovery, mindful of the risk of aggravating the injury.

Japan captain Wataru Endo is dealing with a more serious setback, having undergone surgery after sustaining knee and ankle injuries in February.

He is expected to miss the remainder of Liverpool’s season, and his absence would leave a significant leadership and experience gap in Japan’s midfield.

Young Talents Face Uncertainty

Turkey’s rising star Arda Güler has seen his domestic campaign cut short by a hamstring injury.

Although there is hope he could return in time, concerns remain over his match sharpness due to limited playing time.

Similarly, Brazil’s teenage forward Estevão Willian is recovering from a hamstring tear and will not feature again for Chelsea this season.

His lack of recent competitive action could influence selection decisions.

France, Ghana Count Losses

France striker Hugo Ekitiké has been ruled out of the World Cup entirely after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April.

The injury is expected to keep him out of action until 2027, ending his hopes of participating in the tournament.

Before the setback, he had been a standout performer for Liverpool, registering 17 goals and six assists across competitions.

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus is also facing uncertainty as he awaits further medical assessment on a quad injury that could require surgery.

The midfielder has already been sidelined for over three months, and his potential absence would be a major blow to Ghana’s creative play.

Defensive Concerns for Brazil, England

Brazil defender Éder Militão has been ruled out for the remainder of Real Madrid’s season with a hamstring injury.

Although he is targeting a return in time for the World Cup, medical staff remain cautious given his recent injury history.

England’s Reece James is also battling recurring hamstring issues.

The Chelsea defender, who has missed previous major tournaments due to injury, faces another uncertain wait, with any delay in recovery likely to jeopardise his chances of selection.

With the countdown to the World Cup underway, national teams are closely monitoring the fitness of their key players.

Medical teams are working around the clock, but the coming weeks will be decisive in determining who makes it to the tournament and who misses out.

The growing injury list has already forced coaches to consider contingency plans, as the race against time intensifies ahead of football’s biggest stage.