Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Rodrygo, Xavi Simons and Hugo Ekitike are among a long list of high-profile footballers who will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, dealing a major blow to their respective national teams ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
As excitement builds for football’s biggest event, several countries have been forced to adjust their plans after losing key players to serious injuries. For many of these stars, the heartbreak is even greater considering the years of hard work and sacrifice required to reach the World Cup stage.
Ghana has been significantly affected by the injury setbacks. The Black Stars will be without influential midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who suffered a hamstring injury, while defender Mohammed Salisu misses out after sustaining an ACL injury. Experienced centre-back Alexander Djiku is also unavailable due to a muscle injury.
The absence of Kudus is expected to be particularly painful for Ghanaian supporters. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most talented players, his creativity, dribbling ability and attacking threat would have been crucial to the Black Stars’ ambitions. Salisu and Djiku’s injuries also deprive Ghana of valuable defensive experience and leadership.
Brazil has also suffered major setbacks with several important players ruled out. Rodrygo’s ACL injury has ended his World Cup hopes, while teenage sensation Estevao misses the tournament because of a hamstring problem. Defender Eder Militao is another notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury.
For Argentina, Joaquin Panichelli will miss the competition after an ACL injury, while defender Juan Foyth has been ruled out with an Achilles problem. Their absence reduces the depth available to the South American giants as they seek another successful World Cup campaign.
France has been hit hard by injuries as well. Hugo Ekitike is unavailable due to an Achilles injury, Boubacar Kamara has been sidelined by an ACL tear and Ferland Mendy misses out after suffering a quadriceps injury. The trio’s absence removes quality and experience from one of the tournament favourites.
England’s preparations have also been disrupted, with defender Ben White ruled out because of a knee injury. His versatility and defensive qualities would have provided valuable options for the Three Lions.
Japan faces its own injury concerns after losing Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino. Mitoma’s hamstring injury and Minamino’s ACL problem have deprived the Asian side of two of its most experienced attacking players.
The Netherlands will be without several key figures, including Xavi Simons, whose ACL injury has ended his hopes of participating. Matthijs de Ligt misses the tournament because of a back injury, while Jerdy Schouten has also been ruled out with an ACL injury.
Spain’s squad has been weakened by the absence of Fermin Lopez and Samu Aghehowa. Lopez is sidelined with a foot injury, while Aghehowa misses the tournament after suffering an ACL tear.
Germany has also lost important members of its squad. Serge Gnabry will not participate because of a thigh injury, while goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out with a hamstring problem.
Scotland suffered a particularly cruel setback after Billy Gilmour sustained a knee injury during the team’s final warm-up preparations. The injury ended his dream of competing at the World Cup just before the tournament began.
African champions Ivory Coast will be without Clement Akpa, who has been sidelined by an adductor injury. His absence reduces the options available to the Elephants as they aim to make a strong impact on the global stage.
Host nation United States has also been affected by injuries. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Patrick Agyemang have both been ruled out with Achilles injuries, while Johnny Cardoso misses the tournament because of an ankle problem.
Mexico’s hopes have equally suffered setbacks with goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon sidelined by an ACL injury and defender Julian Araujo unavailable due to a hamstring problem.
The growing injury list serves as a reminder of the physical demands of modern football. For many of these players, missing a World Cup represents one of the most painful moments of their careers, especially considering that opportunities to compete on such a stage are rare.
While their teammates prepare for action in North America, these injured stars will be forced to watch from afar, supporting their nations from home and focusing on their recovery. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt throughout the tournament, leaving fans wondering what impact they might have made had they been fit enough to take part.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, the competition will celebrate the talents of the players who made it, but it will also carry the stories of those whose dreams were cruelly interrupted by injury at the final hurdle.
