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Although 48 national teams are set to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, several players have unfortunately suffered injuries at the most inopportune moment.

For many footballers, representing their country in World Cup matches stands as the ultimate achievement in their careers.

As the 2026 tournament draws near, 48 national managers across the world are preparing to name their final line-ups for the competition, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.

With a total of 1,248 squad positions available for the sport’s most prestigious event, it is inevitable that injuries will prevent some stars from participating.

As the 2025–26 season approaches its conclusion, both newly sustained and recurring long-term injuries have dashed the hopes of several players dreaming of a World Cup appearance.

Although the final squad lists will not be confirmed until federations submit their preliminary rosters to FIFA on Monday, May 11, these players have already been ruled out of contention for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Porto striker Samu Aghehowa tore his ACL during a match against Sporting CP in February. The 21-year-old, who had scored 13 goals in 20 league games this season, will miss out on the chance to represent Spain and make his senior World Cup debut.

United States forward Patrick Agyemang, who has netted six goals in 14 international appearances since debuting last year, also faces heartbreak. The Derby County striker, formerly of Charlotte FC, suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury during the Championship clash against Stoke City in early April.

Argentine midfielder Valentin Carboni, 21, was on loan at Racing Club from Inter Milan when he sustained an ACL injury in February. Having previously represented Italy at youth levels before switching allegiance to Argentina, Carboni has three senior caps for the Albiceleste but will be sidelined for Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup campaign.

American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers remains an outside hopeful for a place in his country’s squad. However, after undergoing Achilles surgery in November, the Celtic player faces an uphill battle to recover in time. The centre-back currently holds 19 caps for the United States men’s national team.

Liverpool’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain was compounded by a devastating injury to forward Hugo Ekitike. The French international ruptured his Achilles tendon during the second leg at Anfield, ruling him out of the World Cup.

Chelsea’s 18-year-old sensation Estevao has also been ruled out after suffering a grade four hamstring tear during a Premier League defeat to Manchester United in mid-April. Before his injury, the Brazilian attacker made 12 league appearances and earned 11 senior caps for Brazil. Recovery from a grade four injury typically takes around six months.

Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez sustained a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot after being substituted at halftime against Real Betis on Sunday, May 17. Initial assessments downplayed the injury, but further scans confirmed the fracture, necessitating surgery. Consequently, Lopez will miss the World Cup, a significant setback for both him and Spain. His absence could open opportunities for Carlos Soler, Yeremy Pino, Ander Barrenetxea, and Jesus Rodriguez.

Argentina’s World Cup-winning defender Juan Foyth, 28, suffered a ruptured Achilles in January while playing for Villarreal against Real Madrid. With 22 senior caps and participation in the 2022 World Cup, the former Tottenham Hotspur player will not feature in Lionel Scaloni’s title defense.

Germany’s Serge Gnabry has been withdrawn from the Bayern Munich squad after tearing an adductor muscle in his right leg during the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. The 30-year-old forward will be sidelined until next season, ending his World Cup hopes.

Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus faces a lengthy absence after aggravating a quadriceps injury that has troubled him since January. The Ghanaian international might require surgery, which would rule him out of both Tottenham’s relegation battle and the upcoming tournament in North America.

Mexico goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon will also miss the competition due to an Achilles tear sustained while playing for Club America. His absence has prompted the recall of veteran Guillermo Ochoa to the national team setup ahead of the home World Cup.

Brazilian defender Eder Militao of Real Madrid has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during a 2-1 win over Alaves. The 28-year-old, who has 38 appearances for Brazil and was part of the 2022 squad in Qatar, now requires surgery after re-aggravating a previous issue.

Japanese forward Takumi Minamino remains sidelined as he continues recovery from an ACL rupture suffered last year in Monaco’s Coupe de France clash with Auxerre. The 31-year-old former Liverpool player will be a significant loss for Japan’s World Cup campaign.

Strasbourg forward Joaquin Panichelli, who earned his first Argentina cap in November, suffered another ACL tear while on international duty in March — his second in two years. The 23-year-old’s strong form has been cut short, and he will not feature in the tournament.

Brazilian star Rodrygo is another notable absentee for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The Real Madrid winger ruptured his ACL in a league match against Getafe in early March. The 25-year-old, with 37 caps and experience from the 2022 World Cup, will miss the event.

Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu of Monaco tore his ACL in January and is undergoing a nine-month rehabilitation program. The 26-year-old, who represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, was expected to be a key figure again this year.

Finally, Netherlands forward Xavi Simons suffered a torn ACL during Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Wolves. The 23-year-old will undergo surgery and is expected to be out for eight months, ruling him out of the World Cup and dealing a blow to both his national team and Tottenham’s survival hopes.