2026 World Cup injury list: Rodrygo and Xavi Simons to miss tournament
Several high-profile stars including Brazil forward Rodrygo and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons have been officially ruled out of the 2026 World Cup through injury.
Rodrygo and Militão compound Brazilian woes
Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo will miss the remainder of the calendar year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus during a shock defeat to Getafe in March.
The 23-year-old was his nation’s second-highest scorer during a turbulent South American qualifying campaign.
With Chelsea-bound teenager Estêvão also carrying a knock, the Seleção find themselves desperately short of wide options ahead of the finals.
Veteran forward Neymar, now 34, could be handed a shock recall by the five-time world champions to fill the attacking void.
Their defensive ranks have also been depleted following a severe hamstring tear sustained by Éder Militão which required surgery.
However, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has already established a solid partnership alongside Paris St-Germain captain Marquinhos in the defender’s absence.
Gnabry and Simons suffer domestic heartbreak
A torn adductor suffered in mid-April has abruptly ended Serge Gnabry’s domestic season with Bayern Munich and his hopes of representing Germany.
The prolific winger had been a staple for the national team, featuring in a squad-high eight matches across recent qualifiers and international friendlies.
His unfortunate absence paves the way for fit-again team-mate Jamal Musiala to reclaim a starting berth for Die Mannschaft.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands must navigate the tournament without Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons following an ACL tear against Wolves in late April.
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is now expected to shoulder the primary creative burden for the Dutch.
Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert could also make a late bolt for the squad as he returns from a four-month knee injury of his own.
Ekitiké’s international breakthrough halted
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké saw his dreams of a major tournament debut shattered after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon against former club PSG.
The promising attacker had forced his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans following a stellar debut campaign at Anfield.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is widely tipped to take the vacant attacking spot in the French squad.
Experienced Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso is also generating momentum for a late call-up by Les Bleus.