The FIFA World Cup is the stage where dreams are realised. But for every player walking out onto the pitch this summer, there is another watching from home, sidelined through the cruelness of injury.
From ACLs to long term rehabilitation programmes, some of football’s biggest names will be missing out on playing at the sport’s greatest show. For many, it’s more than just missing out on a tournament, it’s months of isolation and watching teammates compete without them.
These are the stories behind the setbacks of the 10 biggest names who will be missing out.
- Estêvão Willian, Brazil
The Brazilian winger was set to be one of the breakout stars of the tournament. Still only 19-years-young, he has already drawn comparisons to some of the country’s greatest talents. But after suffering an untimely Grade 4 hamstring tear during Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United in April, his first chance to experience the World Cup was taken away.
The emotional impact was immediate, with Chelsea sources revealing the teenager was in tears in the dressing room as the reality set in. Now, instead of preparing for the biggest tournament of his career, he faces the long and uncertain road of recovery.
- Hugo Ekitiké, France
Just as the French striker looked like he was reaching the peak and delivering on the potential that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards, disaster struck. Falling to the deck under little challenge against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, it was clear the signs were troubling.
A torn achilles tendon has taken away his opportunity to play at the World Cup and with France’s next options being Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace and Inter’s Marcus Thuram, France may struggle with depth following the injury of Liverpool’s man.
For Ekitiké, what lies ahead is a summer sat in front of the television watching his teammates go for glory.
- Serge Gnabry, Germany
An abductor injury in mid-April ruled the winger out of the rest of Bayern Munich’s season and was set to play a major role in Germany’s bid to retain the biggest prize in football. No player had played more games for the side in the qualifying phase (eight).
Over the past few seasons, repeated muscular injuries had disrupted his rhythm and raised questions about whether he could still perform consistently at the elite level. The injury is not just a physical setback, but another mental battle in a career that has repeatedly demanded resilience.
- Xavi Simons, Netherlands
During Tottenham’s first Premier League win of 2026 – a 1-0 win against Wolves – the Dutch playmaker suffered an ACL injury. Just as Simons had looked to be playing a crucial part in keeping Spurs in the top flight, his progress was halted.
For the Netherlands, a lack of direct replacement becomes problematic. But for the player, a long period of rehabilitation that could stretch into the start of next season will be even more damaging.
- Fermín López, Spain
Spain’s injury woes continued as Barcelona’s all-action midfielder fractured a metatarsal during the club’s win against Real Betis on 17th May. The club confirmed surgery is required and the 23-year-old will be sidelined for a significant period.
López was part of the squad who brought home the European Championships in 2024 and won Olympic gold in Paris the following month. He will be hoping the strength that pushed him into Barça’s first team will carry him through the toughest setback of his career to date.
- Kaoru Mitoma, Japan
Brighton winger Mitoma suffered a hamstring tear during the Seagulls 3-0 win over Wolves at the back end of the Premier League season and didn’t make the final World Cup squad. Japan will struggle without the man largely deemed to be their best player, in a group with Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Mitoma scored the winner at Wembley against England in March and now faces a long period on the sidelines.
- Patrick Agyemang, USMNT
The USA may struggle to find goals this summer as the Derby County target man was set to lead the line. An achilles tear against Stoke City in early April ruled Agyemang out of the World Cup and the remainder of the Championship season.
A very impressive first season in English Football with 13 goal involvements was cut short and the effects will ripple onto the international stage.
- Matthijs De Ligt, Netherlands
A long-standing back issue which the 26-year-old defender has failed to recover from is bad news for the Dutch. De Ligt has undergone surgery in a bid to return fully fit for the start of next season.
He has not featured for Manchester United since 30th November and despite best efforts, will not feature for the Oranje.
- Éder Militão, Brazil
The latest injury problem in a career fraught with issues is a hamstring tear requiring surgery that will keep the Real Madrid defender out of the World Cup. Following this, Brazil will be missing one of their most experienced and physically dominant centre-backs.
Previous injury issues have seen his influence on the Seleção slowly fade away and facing Militão is a long period of rehabilitation which has become all too familiar.
- Rodrygo, Brazil
A double blow for the Real Madrid winger hit Brazil hard as the 25-year-old suffered a torn ACL and meniscus, likely ruling him out for the rest of 2026. A difficult season for Rodrygo saw him go through barren spells with little involvement. However, with Estêvão also ruled out, the 5-time World Cup champions have leaned on 34-year-old Neymar Jr. for inspiration on the wing, who also has injury worries of his own.
Rodrygo is set for a long period on the sidelines, but will hope the injury is a barrier he can overcome, rather than a defining setback in such a promising career.
