Complete List Of Star Players Set To Miss The 2026 World Cup Due To Injuries

According to Ireporter Online, a wave of injury setbacks across world football is threatening the availability of several high-profile players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June, as national teams intensify preparations amid growing uncertainty over squad fitness.

The report indicates that multiple stars from leading football nations are either already ruled out or racing against time to recover, creating major selection headaches for coaches. Spain have been handed an early scare after teenage forward Lamine Yamal picked up a hamstring injury while scoring for Barcelona against Celta Vigo. Although initial fears surrounded his availability, the club remains optimistic about a timely recovery, offering some reassurance to the Spanish setup.

Germany, however, faces deeper concern with first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen battling a lingering hamstring problem that has disrupted his preparation and placed his World Cup readiness in doubt. In Brazil’s camp, forward Rodrygo has been ruled out entirely after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March, dealing a significant blow to their attacking depth.

Argentina are also monitoring the fitness of defender Cristian Romero, who sustained a knee injury during Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League clash in April and has since been ruled out for the rest of the club season. Canada’s hopes are similarly tied to Alphonso Davies, whose recurring muscle injuries continue to raise doubts over his peak fitness ahead of the tournament.

Spain’s midfield options have been affected by Mikel Merino’s foot fracture, while Japan captain Wataru Endo remains sidelined following knee and ankle surgery, with expectations that he will miss the rest of the season. Turkey’s Arda Güler and Brazil’s Estevão Willian are also facing uncertain timelines due to hamstring issues, limiting their match readiness.

France have suffered one of the most severe setbacks, with striker Hugo Ekitiké ruled out of the tournament after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April, a setback expected to keep him sidelined until 2027. Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus is also under medical observation for a quad injury that could require surgery, leaving his participation uncertain.

Defensively, Brazil’s Éder Militão remains in recovery from a hamstring injury, while England continue to monitor Reece James, whose recurring fitness problems have once again placed his tournament hopes in doubt.

With the World Cup fast approaching, medical teams across national setups are working intensively to manage recovery timelines, as coaches increasingly weigh contingency plans amid what has become a growing injury crisis affecting several of football’s biggest names.