As preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several top players have already been ruled out of the tournament due to serious injuries, dealing major blows to their national teams.
According to reports by BBC Sport, a number of high-profile stars will miss the global showpiece entirely, while others remain in doubt as they battle fitness setbacks.
Players Ruled Out of World Cup 2026
Rodrygo (Brazil / Real Madrid)
Brazil have suffered a huge setback after the forward was ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in March. The injury has ended any hopes of him featuring at the World Cup.
Hugo Ekitike (France / Liverpool)
The French striker will miss the tournament after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April. He is not expected to return to action until 2027, ruling him out of contention completely.
Major Injury Doubts Ahead of the Tournament
Several other key players are facing late fitness tests and remain doubtful:
Lamine Yamal (Spain / Barcelona) – recovering from a hamstring injury.
Marc-André ter Stegen (Germany / Barcelona) – battling a long-term hamstring issue.
Cristian Romero (Argentina / Tottenham Hotspur) – sidelined with a knee injury.
Alphonso Davies (Canada / Bayern Munich) – dealing with recurring muscle problems.
Mikel Merino (Spain / Arsenal) – out with a fractured foot.
Wataru Endo (Japan / Liverpool) – recovering from knee and ankle surgery.
Arda Güler (Turkey / Real Madrid) – nursing a hamstring injury.
Estevão Willian (Brazil / Chelsea) – recovering from a hamstring tear.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana / Tottenham Hotspur) – facing possible surgery for a quad injury.
Éder Militão (Brazil / Real Madrid) – out with a hamstring injury but targeting a return.
Reece James (England / Chelsea) – struggling again with recurring hamstring issues.
Growing Concern for National Teams
With the tournament drawing closer, the growing injury list is becoming a major concern for several countries. Teams like Brazil, Spain, and England could be forced to adjust their strategies if key players fail to recover in time.
While a few stars still have slim hopes of returning before kickoff, others have already seen their World Cup dreams cut short, highlighting the physical toll of an intense football calendar.
PUNCH