List of players who will miss the 2026 World Cup due to injury

Here are the players expected to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June due to injury.

Several high-profile footballers are set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, dealing major blows to their national teams ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

With the World Cup scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, injuries picked up in the closing stages of the club season have already ruled out a number of important players, while others remain in a race against time to prove their fitness.

According to the latest injury updates, the confirmed list includes players from Brazil, France, Germany, England, Argentina, the Netherlands and the United States.

Confirmed players ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to injury

Rodrygo — Brazil

Brazil will be without Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who has reportedly been ruled out after suffering a serious knee injury. His absence is a major setback for Brazil, with the attacker expected to be one of the key players in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Éder Militão — Brazil

Brazil have also lost defender Éder Militão to injury. The Real Madrid centre-back is among the players reported to be definitely out of the tournament, leaving Brazil short of one of their most experienced defensive options.

Estêvão — Brazil

Young Brazil forward Estêvão is also expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a significant hamstring injury. He was removed from Brazil’s preliminary squad due to the injury.

Hugo Ekitiké — France

France will be without striker Hugo Ekitiké, who suffered an Achilles injury in April. Reports indicate the injury could require a long recovery period, ruling him out of the tournament.

Serge Gnabry — Germany

Germany have been hit by the absence of Serge Gnabry. The Bayern Munich forward is set to miss the World Cup after suffering an adductor injury, removing one of Germany’s most experienced attacking players from their plans.

Xavi Simons — Netherlands

The Netherlands will be without Xavi Simons, who has been listed among the players ruled out after suffering an ACL injury. His absence is a major blow to the Dutch midfield and attack.

Ben White — England

England defender Ben White is also out of contention after sustaining medial ligament damage. Arsenal confirmed he would miss the rest of the season, with reports listing him among the players ruled out of the World Cup.

Joaquín Panichelli — Argentina

Argentina forward Joaquín Panichelli has been listed among the players definitely ruled out due to an ACL injury. His absence reduces Argentina’s attacking options heading into the tournament.

Cameron Carter-Vickers — United States

The United States will be without defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has been listed among the players ruled out with an Achilles injury. His absence is a setback for the co-hosts ahead of the competition.

Patrick Agyemang — United States

USA forward Patrick Agyemang is also expected to miss the tournament because of an Achilles injury. His injury adds to the growing list of absentees for the host nation.

Players doubtful or racing to be fit

Not every injured player has been officially ruled out. Some remain doubtful and could still make their national teams’ final squads depending on their recovery.

Barcelona midfielder Fermín López is one of the latest injury concerns after suffering a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot. Reuters reports that he is set for surgery, casting doubt over his availability for Spain.

Other players being monitored include Lamine Yamal, Alphonso Davies, Cristian Romero, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams, Achraf Hakimi, Johnny Cardoso and Luca Zidane, who have all been mentioned among players facing fitness concerns before the tournament.

Full list of confirmed World Cup 2026 injury absentees

Read the Latest on the 2026 World Cup and Get Fresh updates as they drop via X and Facebook.