With the 2026 World Cup set to kick off on June 11, injuries are becoming one of the biggest storylines of the tournament.
Several stars have already been ruled out of the World Cup, while others are racing against the clock to be fit for their country's opening match. Even players expected to suit up may not be operating at 100%, creating uncertainty for teams, bettors, and World Cup odds alike.
Here's a look at the biggest injury situations heading into kickoff and how they could impact the tournament.
Biggest World Cup injury concerns
Bukayo Saka (England)
- Status: Expected to Play
Bukayo Saka is expected to be available for England’s World Cup campaign, though he continues to manage an Achilles issue that has limited his workload in training. The star winger has returned to action after playing through the injury late in the club season, but England is likely to monitor his minutes closely during the tournament.
Why it matters: Saka is one of England’s most important attacking players. While he’s expected to feature prominently, his fitness will be worth watching as the Three Lions pursue their first World Cup title since 1966.
Alphonso Davies (Canada)
- Status: Questionable for Group stage
Alphonso Davies has returned to full training after recovering from a hamstring injury, improving his chances of featuring in Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina. While his availability is trending in the right direction, Canada is expected to remain cautious with its captain.
Why it matters: Davies is Canada's most important player and a key factor in its hopes of advancing from Group B.
Neymar (Brazil)
- Status: Questionable for Group stage
Neymar continues to recover from a calf injury, but recent medical tests showed encouraging progress in his rehabilitation. The veteran forward has yet to return to full training, though optimism is growing that he could be available early in the tournament.
Why it matters: Brazil is already without Rodrygo and Estevao, making Neymar's health one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Selecao heading into the World Cup.
Julio Enciso (Paraguay)
- Status: Questionable for Group stage
Julio Enciso avoided a serious thigh injury, but Paraguay is unlikely to rush its star attacker back into action. While the 21-year-old remains in contention to feature later in the group stage, he appears likely to miss Paraguay's opener against the United States.
Why it matters: Enciso is Paraguay's most dangerous attacking player. If he's unavailable against the United States, Paraguay could struggle to create chances in their Group D opener.
Jose Gimenez (Uruguay)
- Status: Questionable for Group stage
Jose Gimenez is nearing a return from the high ankle sprain that sidelined him late in the club season. Recent reports indicate the veteran defender has made strong progress in his recovery and is expected to be available at some point during the World Cup.
Why it matters: Giménez is the leader of Uruguay's defense and one of the squad's most experienced players. His return would provide a major boost for a team with ambitions of advancing deep into the knockout rounds.
Abde Ezzalzouli (Morocco)
- Status: Questionable for Group stage
Morocco could be without one of its top attacking weapons after Ezzalzouli picked up a knee injury in the team's final tune-up match before the World Cup. The winger's availability for the early stages of the tournament remains uncertain as he continues to be evaluated.
Why it matters: Ezzalzouli was one of Morocco's most productive attackers at club level this season. Losing his ability to stretch defenses and create chances would be a setback for a side looking to build on its recent World Cup success.
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Recently cleared World Cup players
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Status: Expected to Play
Lionel Messi appears to be nearing a return after missing time with a hamstring issue. Argentina's captain has resumed portions of team training and saw 20 minutes of action vs. Iceland in the final warm-up game.
Why it matters: The defending champions go as Messi goes. While Argentina remains one of the tournament favorites, having a healthy Messi significantly improves its chances of retaining the World Cup trophy.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
- Status: Probable for Group stage
Lamine Yamal has yet to appear for Spain this summer as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered in April, but all signs point toward the teenage star being available for the World Cup. Spain's coaching staff has indicated he is progressing ahead of schedule, though his minutes could be managed early in the tournament.
Why it matters: Spain enters the World Cup among the favorites, and Yamal is one of the most dynamic attacking players in the field. Having him available significantly boosts Spain's chances of making a deep run.
William Saliba (France)
- Status: Expected to play
William Saliba is expected to be available for the World Cup after overcoming a back injury that briefly put his participation in doubt. The Arsenal defender has resumed training and appears on track to play a major role for France.
Why it matters: Saliba is a cornerstone of France's defense. His availability preserves one of the strongest back lines in the tournament.
Cristian Romero (Argentina)
- Status: Expected to play
Cristian Romero appears to be trending toward full fitness after returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for much of the spring. The Tottenham defender recently made his first appearance since April and has resumed full training with Argentina ahead of the World Cup.
Why it matters: Romero is Argentina's defensive leader and a key piece of the reigning champions' back line.
Chris Richards (United States)
- Status: Expected to Play
Richards took part in a full training session with the U.S. men's national team after recovering from an ankle injury suffered in May. The Crystal Palace center back had been training separately in recent weeks but appears to be progressing well ahead of the Americans' World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Why it matters: Richards is arguably the United States' top central defender and a critical piece of Mauricio Pochettino's defense.
Players ruled out of the World Cup
Several notable players won't make it to North America after suffering injuries in the months leading up to the tournament.
| Player | Country | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Rodrygo | Brazil | Torn ACL and meniscus |
| Estevao | Brazil | Torn hamstring |
| Wesley | Brazil | Groin injury |
| Marcelo Flores | Canada | Knee injury |
| Hugo Ekitike | France | Achilles injury |
| Serge Gnabry | Germany | Torn adductor |
| Lennart Karl | Germany | Thigh injury |
| Kaoru Mitoma | Japan | Torn hamstring |
| Takumi Minamino | Japan | Torn ACL |
| Mohammed Kudus | Ghana | Hamstring injury |
| Jurrien Timber | Netherlands | Groin injury |
| Xavi Simons | Netherlands | Torn ACL |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Netherlands | Back injury |
| Fermín Lopez | Spain | Metatarsal fracture |
| Johnny Cardoso | United States | Ankle injury |
| Patrick Agyemang | United States | Achilles injury |
Biggest Absences to Watch
Rodrygo: Brazil enters the tournament without one of its most dangerous attackers after Rodrygo suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Kaoru Mitoma: Mitoma's pace and creativity will be difficult to replace for a Japanese side facing a difficult group.
Mohammed Kudus: Ghana loses its most dynamic attacking player and biggest source of individual brilliance.
Jurrien Timber: The Dutch defense takes a major hit with Timber unavailable for the tournament.
Serge Gnabry: Germany will be without an experienced attacking option after Gnabry was ruled out with an adductor injury suffered late in the club season.
Fermín Lopez: Spain loses a rising midfield star after López was ruled out with a fractured metatarsal, reducing the squad's depth heading into the tournament.
