World Cup 2026 Which Star Players Will Miss The Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to feature many of the biggest names in football, but several famous players are likely to miss the tournament due to serious injuries, fitness problems, or their national teams failing to qualify. The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already creating excitement among football fans around the world. However, many supporters are disappointed that some major stars may not be seen on football’s biggest stage this year.

One of the biggest absences is expected to be Rodrygo from Brazil. The Real Madrid forward suffered a serious ACL and knee injury earlier this year, ruling him out for several months. Rodrygo was considered an important attacking player for Brazil and was expected to play a major role in the tournament before the injury setback. Brazilian defender Eder Militao is also expected to miss the competition after suffering a major hamstring injury that required surgery. Young Brazilian talent Estevao has also been ruled out because of injury problems during the club season.

Another major blow comes for the Netherlands national team after midfielder Xavi Simons suffered a serious ACL injury while playing for Tottenham Hotspur. The young star was stretchered off during a club match and later confirmed that his season had ended. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has also expressed concerns about the fitness of defender Jurrien Timber ahead of the tournament.

For Germany, winger Serge Gnabry is expected to miss the World Cup after suffering a torn adductor muscle. Germany may also be without goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has struggled with injury recovery in recent months. The German squad is already facing pressure as it prepares for another major international tournament.

Spain has also received injury concerns ahead of the World Cup. Young Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez confirmed that he will miss the tournament after surgery on a fractured foot. Reports also suggested that Spanish star Lamine Yamal faced a hamstring injury scare earlier this year, although there remains hope he could recover in time for the tournament.

The France national team is expected to be without striker Hugo Ekitike after he suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury. Recovery from such injuries usually takes several months, making his participation impossible this year.

Some famous players will also miss the World Cup because their countries failed to qualify for the tournament. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali are among the top Italian players who will not participate after Italy failed to secure qualification. Similarly, players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bryan Mbeumo are also expected to miss the tournament because their national teams could not qualify.

Injuries have once again become one of the biggest concerns before a major football tournament. Football experts say the busy club football calendar, long travel schedules, and physical pressure on players have increased the number of serious injuries in recent years. Several players are currently racing against time to recover before the competition begins in June 2026.

Despite these absences, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still expected to feature many of the world’s top football talents and attract millions of fans globally. Supporters now hope that injured players recover fully and return strongly in future international competitions.