The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a string of injury setbacks that have hit some of the most important players on the Globe. Across Europe and South America, national team coaches have been forced to rethink their plans as key figures drop out of their squads one by one. For football fans around the world, the news has been hard to take.
Spain enter the tournament without four key players. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been one of the most exciting young players in the world over the past year, will not be available. Neither will veteran midfielder Koke, experienced right-back Dani Carvajal, nor promising young midfielder Pablo Barrios. The losses cover almost every area of the pitch for the Spanish side.
Brazil’s problems are, if anything, even more serious. Five players from their squad have been ruled out.
Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Raphinha, João Pedro, and young forward Estêvão, who had been seen as one of the brightest talents heading into the competition. The sheer number of absentees puts serious pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti to find solutions across the squad.
England will be without three of their most creative attacking players. Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka all of whom have been in fine form for their clubs over the past season are racing against time to be fit for the World Cup. Their absence leaves manager Thomas Tuchel with difficult choices out wide and in the attacking midfield areas.
France, the reigning World Cup finalists, face perhaps the most talked-about absence of all. Captain Kylian Mbappé, widely regarded as the best player in the world is injured. Alongside him, young striker Hugo Ekitike, a player many expected to have a strong tournament has also been sidelined. It is a blow that changes the shape of France’s entire attacking structure.
Germany are keeping tabs on Kai Havertz, whose ability to link play between midfield and attack had been central to their recent performances, as well as wide forward Serge Gnabry who are also injured at the moment.
Belgium are monitoring their first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, while Turkey lose creative midfielder Arda Güler, who had been in exceptional form at club level this season.
Argentina, the current world champions, must do without centre-back Cristian Romero, whose aggressive defending and reading of the game had made him a key part of their backline.
Egypt will be monitoring Mohamed Salah after he pick up an injury against Crystal Palace in their 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday, perhaps the single biggest individual loss of the entire tournament, given how central Salah has been to everything his country does in attack.
Mohammed Kudus has also suffered an injury setback, raising serious doubts about his availability and making it increasingly likely that he will miss the World Cup.
The Netherlands lose creative midfielder Xavi Simons, and Croatia competing in what may be their final major tournament with their golden generation face with the news that captain Luka Modrić has also picked up an injury against Juventus in the Serie A.
Modrić, who has carried Croatia to a World Cup final and two semi-finals in recent editions, was hoping to end his international career on the highest stage.
In total, more than twenty players may or not make it to the World Cup. For the teams involved, the focus will now shift to those who step forward in their place.
The Stars who may or may not make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana: Mohammed Kudus
Spain: Lamine Yamal, Koke, Dani Carvajal, Pablo Barrios
Brazil: Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Raphinha, João Pedro, Estêvão
England: Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka
France: Kylian Mbappé, Hugo Ekitike
Germany: Kai Havertz, Serge Gnabry
Belgium:Thibaut Courtois
Turkey:Arda Güler
Argentina: Cristian Romero
Egypt: Mohamed Salah
Netherlands: Xavi Simons
Croatia: Luka Modrić