Dozens of stars who would've played key roles for their teams will watch the 2026 World Cup from the sidelines due to agonizing injuries. Others, meanwhile, are racing to be fit. We're tracking all the latest injury news.
Latest updates
Abde Ezzalzouli, Morocco 🇲🇦
Injury: Knee
Tournament status: Ruled out
Real Betis winger Ezzalzouli has been replaced in Morocco's squad after injuring his right knee during Sunday's friendly against Norway. It's a significant blow for coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who also lost key defender Nayef Aguerd for the entire tournament.
Lionel Messi, Argentina 🇦🇷
Injury: Hamstring
Tournament status: Expected to play
Messi made his return from injury in Argentina's final pre-tournament friendly Tuesday, coming off the bench and scoring a penalty in a victory over Iceland. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner should be ready to start when the Albiceleste begin their title defense against Algeria.
Bukayo Saka, England 🏴
Injury: Achilles
Tournament status: Expected to play
Saka's workload is worth monitoring; the Arsenal winger hasn't fully recovered from an Achilles injury he suffered in March. England coach Thomas Tuchel recently said the 24-year-old hasn't been able to train on consecutive days, according to The Athletic's Dan Sheldon.
Jurrien Timber, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Injury: Groin
Tournament status: Ruled out
The Netherlands included Timber in its main World Cup squad hoping that the versatile Arsenal defender would recover in time for the tournament. Despite appearing in the Champions League final, he hasn't shown enough progress, leading the Dutch team to replace him with Lutsharel Geertruida.
Lennart Karl, Germany 🇩🇪
Injury: Thigh
Tournament status: Ruled out
Germany will be without one of its most promising players, as Karl has been ruled out for the World Cup. The 18-year-old, who had 17 goal contributions for Bayern Munich this season, could miss up to two months.
Moise Bombito, Canada 🇨🇦
Injury: Tibia
Tournament status: Unclear
Canada hasn't publicly announced that Bombito is out for the tournament, but the team's best center-back is reportedly expected to be replaced in the squad prior to its June 12 opener. The 26-year-old fractured his tibia last year, and his surgically repaired leg isn't healthy enough yet.
Alphonso Davies, Canada 🇨🇦
Injury: Hamstring
Tournament status: Out for opener
It's hard to anticipate when Davies will play, as his struggles to stay healthy continue. He won't face Bosnia and Herzegovina to kick off Canada's campaign, and there are no guarantees that he'll be available for the group stage at all.
Chris Richards, United States 🇺🇸
Injury: Ankle
Tournament status: Expected to play
Richards didn't face Germany in the United States' final World Cup tuneup, but the Crystal Palace defender recently said he'll be ready for Friday's opener against Paraguay.
Wesley, Brazil 🇧🇷
Injury: Groin
Tournament status: Ruled out
Wesley suffered a tournament-ending injury during Saturday's pre-World Cup friendly, which makes Brazil's already concerning right-back issues even bigger. The Selecao replaced him with a surprise addition, calling up Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson instead of another full-back.
Neymar, Brazil 🇧🇷
Injury: Calf
Tournament status: Expected to play
Carlo Ancelotti kept Neymar in the squad despite his injury. Although the 34-year-old missed Brazil's two recent friendlies, he's expected to resume training at some point this week, possibly setting up his return for the Selecao's first or second game in the tournament.
Lamine Yamal, Spain 🇪🇸
Injury: Hamstring
Tournament status: Expected to play
La Roja had an injury scare with Yamal weeks ago, but the 18-year-old phenom is a go in North America. Spain has no need to rush Yamal into the lineup; Luis de la Fuente's men play Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia before their first real test against Uruguay on June 26.
William Saliba, France 🇫🇷
Injury: Back
Tournament status: Expected to play
Saliba seemingly aggravated a persistent back issue during Arsenal's loss in the Champions League final. However, the standout defender is likely to be available throughout France's entire group stage campaign.
Julio Enciso, Paraguay 🇵🇾
Injury: Hamstring, thigh
Tournament status: To be determined
Enciso was stretchered off in tears during Paraguay's final pretournament friendly, but he remains with the team. Reports from Paraguayan media suggest that he's targeting a return for a decisive third game versus Australia on June 25.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Uruguay 🇺🇾
Injury: Calf
Tournament status: To be determined
Original reports stated that De Arrascaeta was in danger of missing the whole tournament. He isn't projected to play in Uruguay's World Cup opener, but Marcelo Bielsa and his staff kept the talented midfielder in the squad in hopes that he can be a difference-maker down the road.
