The FIFA World Cup is often considered to be the stage where the biggest stars shine and look to make an impact for their respective teams. The sides depend on these players to be their source of inspiration and magic during the course of the tournament.
However, this year will see many big names miss the tournament due to injuries that will keep them out for a lengthy period. While some are expected to be ready before the start of the new season of club football, some will only comeback towards the end of the year.
These stars will certainly be missed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and we take a look at the injuries and the time period they will be out of action.
RODRYGO
The biggest name to miss the World Cup this year is Rodrygo. He was a vital part of the Brazil squad in 2022 and was expected to be on the flight to the tournament despite his indifferent form for Real Madrid.
However, he ruptured his ACL during a league game against Getafe in March this year, meaning his season and World Cup dream came to an end.
Rodrygo is expected to be out for 8 to 10 months, meaning he will return to the field close to the end of the year.
HUGO EKITIKE
Hugo Ekitike had a sensational start to life in Liverpool and his form more or less guaranteed him a place with France at this year’s World Cup. With 11 goals from 28 matches last season, Ekitike was expected to form a strike force with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele that was expected to terrorise defences at the World Cup.
But the striker suffered a ruptured achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League tie against PSG and underwent surgery to fix the issue. Ekitike is expected to be out for a lengthy period.
MOHAMMED KUDUS
The 2022 World Cup was a breakout campaign for Mohammed Kudus as he dazzled on the big stage with Ghana. After earning a move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Ghanaian forward was expected to kick into a new gear.
But Spurs’ season unravelled quickly and Kudus found himself injured. The 25-year-old suffered quadriceps injury in January and suffered a setback in March, meaning that he won’t be part of the upcoming World Cup.
FERMIN LOPEZ
Along with Gavi and Pedri, Fermin Lopez was expected to form a new force in the midfield for Spain this World Cup. With 13 goals and 17 assists from 48 matches this season for Barcelona, Fermin was expected to set the stage alight this time around.
Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, his dream of playing in the World Cup was put on hold as he fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and underwent surgery to fix the issue.
He is expected to be out for a few months and luckily for Barca, should be back in time for the new season. But his creativity and flair will be a big miss for Spain, who are aiming to secure their second World Cup title.
EDER MILITAO
Eder Militao has been a utility defender for Real Madrid and Brazil over the years, and that was expected to be his role at this World Cup.
The Brazilian defender has had his fair share of major injuries during his career, but the current one could have brought an end to his career. Militao sustained a hamstring injury which was very serious, with his surgeon saying that surgery was the only option to perserve his career.
“What I can say is that his injury was very serious. The only option was surgery: with that hamstring injury, he couldn’t continue his professional career at the highest level. The decision was clear. We are very sorry that, as a result, he won’t be able to participate in the World Cup this summer,” said Militao’s surgeon to Marca.
Militao’s absence does serve as a big blow to Brazil and their bid to become six-time World Cup champions.
XAVI SIMONS
Xavi Simons didn’t have the best of starts to life in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur as the midfielder struggled to make an impact.
Despite this, Simons has proved to be a point of difference for the Netherlands, often being their creative outlet. He played just one game during Qatar 2022 and this World Cup was expected to be his breakthrough campaign.
Unfortunately, Simons ruptured the ACL on his right knee in April during a league for Spurs and is expected to be out for a lengthy period of time.
He underwent surgery, but is expected to be out until the end of the year to recover from the issue.
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