List of players who will miss the 2026 World Cup due to injury
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With the World Cup set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, injuries sustained during the closing stages of the club season have already ruled out a number of key players, while several others remain in a race against time to regain full fitness before the competition begins.
According to the latest injury updates, confirmed absentees include players from Brazil, France, Germany, England, Argentina, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Confirmed Players Ruled Out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Rodrygo
— Brazil
Brazil national football team will reportedly be without Real Madrid forward Rodrygo after the attacker suffered a serious knee injury. His absence is considered a major setback for Brazil, with the winger expected to play a key role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Éder Militão
— Brazil
Brazil have also been dealt another defensive blow with Éder Militão ruled out through injury. The Real Madrid centre-back was expected to bring experience and stability to the Selecao backline.
Estêvão
— Brazil
Young Brazilian star Estêvão is also expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a significant hamstring injury, forcing his removal from Brazil’s preliminary squad list.
Hugo Ekitiké
— France
France national football team will reportedly be without striker Hugo Ekitiké after the forward sustained an Achilles injury in April. Reports suggest the injury will require a lengthy recovery period.
Serge Gnabry
— Germany
Germany have been hit by the absence of Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, who is expected to miss the tournament because of an adductor injury.
Xavi Simons
— Netherlands
The Netherlands are also set to be without Xavi Simons after the midfielder reportedly suffered an ACL injury, dealing a major blow to the Dutch squad ahead of the competition.
Ben White
— England
England defender Ben White has also been ruled out following medial ligament damage. Arsenal reportedly confirmed the defender would miss the remainder of the season.
Joaquín Panichelli
— Argentina
Argentina forward Joaquín Panichelli has reportedly been ruled out after suffering an ACL injury, reducing Argentina’s attacking depth heading into the World Cup.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
— United States
Co-host nation United States men’s national soccer team will be without defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Patrick Agyemang
— United States
USA forward Patrick Agyemang is also expected to miss the tournament after suffering an Achilles injury, adding to the host nation’s growing injury concerns.
Players Doubtful or Racing to Recover
Not every injured player has been officially ruled out, with several stars still hoping to recover in time to make their national teams’ final squads.
Fermín López
— Spain
Barcelona midfielder Fermín López is among the latest injury concerns after suffering a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot. The midfielder is reportedly set to undergo surgery, placing his World Cup participation in serious doubt.
Other players currently being monitored ahead of the tournament include:
Lamine Yamal
Alphonso Davies
Cristian Romero
Mikel Merino
Nico Williams
Achraf Hakimi
Johnny Cardoso
Luca Zidane
Full List of Confirmed 2026 FIFA World Cup Injury Absentees
Player
Country
Reported Injury
Rodrygo
Brazil
ACL/knee injury
Éder Militão
Brazil
Hamstring/muscle injury
Estêvão
Brazil
Hamstring injury
Hugo Ekitiké
France
Achilles injury
Serge Gnabry
Germany
Adductor injury
Xavi Simons
Netherlands
ACL injury
Ben White
England
Medial ligament injury
Joaquín Panichelli
Argentina
ACL injury
Cameron Carter-Vickers
United States
Achilles injury
Patrick Agyemang
United States
Achilles injury
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, national teams will be hoping to avoid further injury setbacks before the tournament officially kicks off in June.
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