With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico set to begin on 11 June, several star players are battling injuries that threaten their participation. Among the most notable is Spain forward Lamine Yamal, who will miss the remainder of Barcelona’s season after suffering a hamstring injury in a match against Celta Vigo. While his club remains confident he will be fit for the tournament, his absence adds to a growing list of high-profile concerns.
Goalkeeper and defensive worries
Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Germany is fighting to recover from a persistent hamstring problem that has severely limited his playing time. The Barcelona keeper, a key figure in Germany’s past campaigns, may miss the opening matches if his recovery stalls. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Cristian Romero is out for the rest of the Premier League season with a knee injury sustained in a collision with Sunderland goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The 27-year-old’s aggression and leadership are vital to Argentina’s defensive structure, and his lack of match fitness raises concerns despite optimism over his recovery timeline.
Reece James of England is again sidelined with a hamstring issue, this time picked up during a 1-0 loss to Newcastle in March. The Chelsea defender missed the previous two major tournaments due to injury, and any further setback would likely rule him out again. Similarly, Eder Militao of Brazil has been ruled out for the rest of Real Madrid’s season with a hamstring tear. The 28-year-old is targeting a World Cup return, but Brazil’s medical staff remain cautious due to his history of muscle problems.
Strikers and midfielders in doubt
Rodrygo of Brazil faces a complete tournament absence after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in March. The Real Madrid forward’s explosive attacking threat will be sorely missed by the five-time world champions. Hugo Ekitike, France’s striker, is also ruled out after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April. The Liverpool forward, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, delivered 17 goals and six assists in a difficult season and will not return until 2027.
Alphonso Davies of Canada is once again struggling with recurring muscle issues that have disrupted his time at Bayern Munich. His pace is central to Canada’s attacking strategy, and his absence would significantly weaken their chances. Mikel Merino of Spain has been out since February with a fractured foot, and while he remains a steady presence for the national team, Spain’s medical staff are wary of rushing him back. Wataru Endo, captain of Japan, faces a double setback with knee and ankle injuries requiring surgery after a February match against Sunderland. He will miss the rest of Liverpool’s season, and his absence would leave a leadership void in Japan’s midfield.
Young talents and creative forces sidelined
Estevao Willian, the teenage forward at Chelsea, is recovering from a hamstring tear and will not play again this season. Brazil remains hopeful, but his lack of match action makes selection uncertain. Arda Guler of Turkey has also ended his domestic season due to a hamstring injury. While a World Cup return is possible, concerns remain over his sharpness and readiness with limited time to regain fitness.
Mohammed Kudus of Ghana is awaiting further assessment on a quad injury that could require surgery. The Tottenham Hotspur playmaker has been out since 4 January and is a key creative figure for his nation. His availability remains uncertain. Xavi Simons of the Netherlands confirmed he will miss the World Cup after a knee injury ended his Tottenham season. The Dutch playmaker was visibly distressed after the incident at Wolves and later confirmed his tournament exit.