Every footballer’s lifelong ambition is to represent their country at the World Cup. For many of them, those dreams will become a reality this summer.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 edition of the most beloved and prestigious tournament in football – a festival of drama, passion and “madness” that is sure to be defined by moments of individual inspiration.
However, we must also think about those who will not be part of this summer’s spectacle. Not because of poor performances or the absence of their national team, but simply because of a serious, ruthless injury that destroyed their dream.
These are some of the unlucky stars who are expected to miss the 2026 World Cup due to physical problems.
Argentina :
Argentina know they will be without a member of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup this summer. Villarreal defender Juan Foyth will be out until the start of next season after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
Another key defender, Cristian Romero, is now a doubt for the World Cup. The Tottenham star suffered a knee injury on April 13 and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines – although there is hope he can return in time for the trip to North America.
Joaquin Panichelli, who made his Argentina debut in November last year after an impressive season with Strasbourg, misses out on a chance to make the squad after tearing his ACL for the second time.
Brazil :
Rodrygo is the first major blow for Brazil ahead of the tournament. The Real Madrid star and 37-cap international will be forced to watch the World Cup from the stands after tearing the cruciate ligament in his knee.
The participation of another Brazil winger is now seriously in doubt: Chelsea striker Estevao could miss his first tournament due to a serious muscle injury.
Croatia :
Croatia are aiming to do more than expected at a World Cup again and to achieve that they will need Manchester City star Josko Guardiola in form. He is expected to return before the end of the season, but remains a doubt for the tournament.
England :
England have plenty of options for selection ahead of the tournament, but several players are out with injuries. Jack Grealish was ruled out for the rest of the season, ending what was expected to be a brilliant loan spell at Everton, with a foot problem.
Meanwhile, Levi Colwill and James Maddison missed large parts of the season recovering from torn cruciate ligaments, before making cautious returns in May. Unfortunately, that may be too late for an England call-up.
France :
The look on Hugo Ekitike’s face said it all. After a nasty slip during Liverpool’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, the French striker felt his Achilles tendon before he even hit the ground.
“This injury is a big blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team,” insisted Didier Deschamps. However, there are not many rival fans who will feel sorry for Les Bleus, who could replace the Liverpool striker with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and others.
In midfield, France lacks depth and Boubacar Kamara could be a bigger absence than expected. The influential defensive midfielder was having a great season with Aston Villa and could have earned a return to France, but a serious knee injury cut his season short in painful fashion.
Germany :
Injury problems continue to plague Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s career, who suffered a devastating hamstring injury on his debut with Girona, where he was on loan. The Barcelona goalkeeper has not played for Germany since June due to injuries.
Another blow for Die Mannschaft is the absence of Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, who will miss the tournament with a thigh injury. The 30-year-old had registered 23 goal contributions this season before suffering the injury.
Japan :
Former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino will miss the tournament after tearing his cruciate ligament, while Brighton talent Kaoru Mitoma was forced to sit out of the final list due to an injury sustained late in the season.
In better news for Japan, current Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo managed to make it into the squad after recovering from a serious ankle injury.
Mexico :
Mexico enters the tournament on home soil with injury problems cropping up all over the place. Edson Alvarez remains doubtful for the tournament, while Toluca’s Marcel Ruiz and Club America goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagón will miss the tournament with serious knee injuries.
Netherlands :
Matthijs de Ligt has been out since late November with a nagging back injury that doesn’t seem to be healing. In May, it was confirmed that the defender would miss the race to be fit before the end of the season, although Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert has managed to return to fitness.
One player who will probably not travel to North America this summer is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons, who took to social media to express his “heartbreak” after learning that a knee injury has ruled out his chances of playing in the tournament.
Spain :
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino remains a major doubt to feature in North America with the European champions as he is still recovering from a serious bone injury.
Meanwhile, rising talent Samu Aghehowa, who has made four appearances for Spain’s senior team, is out of action due to a cruciate ligament injury.
USA :
The US national team could be without Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer as the defender continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Mauricio Pochettino would be desperate to get the Celtic star back in time.
However, Derby County striker Patrick Agyemang will not be part of the tournament, as the 25-year-old has been ruled out with a serious Achilles injury. Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso is also expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a serious ankle injury.
The biggest concern is related to Christian Pulisic, as the second half of his season has been accompanied by ongoing physical problems, although “Captain America” is expected to be ready for the tournament taking place at home.
