With just under 100 days to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the ball will roll again and fans will celebrate and enjoy soccer. However, some players will not be able to take part in this event, or at least not on the field.
Injuries have forced stars such as Rodrygo Goes to say goodbye to their dream of participating in this tournament, but he is not the only one.
The stars who could miss out on the World Cup
The United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the countries hosting the 48 teams competing in this tournament from June 11 to July 19.
However, in recent hours, Real Madrid confirmed that Goes suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and a torn outer meniscus in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season with the club, but also the World Cup, where he hoped to play for Brazil.
Unfortunately, injuries have affected other teams as well, with names such as Juan Foyth added to the injury list. The Argentina national team defender confirmed that he will not be able to be part of the group of players defending the title won in 2022 after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon in January 2026.
Meanwhile, in January, Jack Grealish was injured at Everton after regaining his best form and will not be able to play in the tournament with England. The English striker underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot.
Spain could also be affected by the same injury. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is undergoing rehabilitation following surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot. This puts his participation in the World Cup in doubt as he is still unable to put weight on his foot, but Merino is working against the clock to be one of the players called up.
Germany also has doubts about Marc André Ter Stegen. After Hansi Flick opted for Joan García at Barça and knowing that he needed more playing time, Ter Stegen went out on loan to Girona, but two games later he suffered a serious hamstring tear in his left leg.
Even in the Asian Football Confederation, Japan is racing against the clock for Takumi Minamino, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee with Monaco in December 2025.
Without a doubt, injuries never come at a good time, but with the World Cup so close and hopes running high, it makes things even more complicated. Now, these players will use their free time to recover and live and support the team in this tournament as just another fan.
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