As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway in North America in about three weeks, the tournament is already overshadowed by a wave of high-profile injuries.
A number of players have already been ruled out from the World Cup, thus causing a big issue for their respective countries. The demanding club season has claimed several elite talents, forcing national teams to adapt without key stars. Here are eight standout players ruled out of the competition.
Rodrygo (Brazil, Real Madrid)
The Brazilian winger suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in March during Real Madrid’s match against Getafe. The injury has ruled him out for the remainder of 2026, ending his World Cup dream. A dynamic attacker known for pace and finishing, Rodrygo was set to bolster Brazil’s attack alongside Neymar. His absence significantly weakens the Seleção’s creativity.
Hugo Ekitike (France, Liverpool)
The French striker’s hopes ended in April after rupturing his Achilles tendon against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Expected to miss up to nine months, the in-form forward was poised to challenge for a starting role in Deschamps’ squad. His physicality and clinical finishing will be missed as France chase another title.
Serge Gnabry (Germany, Bayern Munich)
Bayern’s winger sustained a serious adductor tear in the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid. The injury sidelined him for the rest of the season and the tournament. A versatile, experienced attacker with big-game pedigree, Gnabry was vital to Germany’s plans. Julian Nagelsmann now faces a reshuffle in attack.
Xavi Simons (Netherlands, Tottenham Hotspur)
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder tore his ACL in late April during Tottenham’s Premier League win over Wolves. A creative hub for the Oranje with vision, dribbling, and goals, Simons’ absence is a major blow to Netherlands’ midfield dynamism.
Estêvão (Brazil, Chelsea)
The teenage sensation suffered a severe grade-four hamstring injury in April against Manchester United. The prognosis worsened, leading to his exclusion from Brazil’s squad. Tipped as a potential breakout star for his flair and composure, his absence further strains Brazil’s attacking depth.
Eder Militao (Brazil, Real Madrid)
The experienced centre-back underwent surgery for a hamstring tear, ruling him out of the World Cup. A defensive mainstay with strong aerial ability and recovery pace, Militao’s absence compounds Brazil’s defensive concerns alongside other injuries.
Jack Grealish (England, Everton)
The English winger has been sidelined by a stress fracture. Known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defences, Grealish’s creativity will be missed as England looks to go deep in the tournament. His unique playing style offered balance in attack.
Juan Foyth (Argentina, Villarreal)
The Argentine defender ruptured his Achilles tendon, ending his campaign. A reliable performer capable of playing multiple defensive roles, Foyth’s absence tests Argentina’s squad depth as the defending champions aim to retain their crown.
These injuries underscore urgent concerns about player welfare and fixture congestion. Nations like Brazil, France, and Argentina must now lean on squad depth and tactical adjustments. While the 2026 World Cup will deliver excitement, it will notably lack some of its most electrifying talents.
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Story first published: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 22:37 [IST]
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