Africa’s World Cup injury list: The stars ruled out and those racing to be fit

World Cup 2026 Today at 16:00

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Several African teams are entering World Cup 2026 with late injury concerns after a dramatic squad deadline.

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A painful race against time

The final days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup have brought mixed injury news for Africa’s representatives.

Some players have already lost their tournament dream after being named or considered in their national plans while others remain in the squad but continue to work under special medical or fitness programs.

Under FIFA rules, teams can still replace an outfield player only in the case of serious injury or illness before their opening match. That has turned every medical update into a major tactical decision.

Confirmed withdrawals

Ivory Coast have already been forced into a major defensive change.

Clément Akpa has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering an adductor injury while training with French club AJ Auxerre. His absence pushed the Ivorian federation to call up Christopher Operi who has joined the squad before the Elephants begin their Group E campaign against Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao.

DR Congo also suffered a late setback.

Rocky Bushiri was withdrawn only two days after the Leopards announced their World Cup squad. The Hibernian defender picked up an injury in his final club match forcing Sébastien Desabre to bring in Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Tshibola as his replacement.

Ghana lose key names before the final list

Ghana’s injury crisis was slightly different.

Mohammed Kudus & Mohammed Salisu were already ruled out before the final squad was confirmed while Alexander Djiku suffered a late injury during preparations and was replaced by Derrick Luckassen.

That means the Black Stars will start the tournament without three important players across attack and defence. Kudus is the biggest attacking loss, Salisu’s absence weakens the back line and Djiku’s withdrawal forced a late defensive reshuffle.

Players still fighting to play

Not every injury case has ended with exclusion.

Egypt received a major boost after Mohamed Salah returned to action in the second half of the friendly defeat against Brazil. Hossam Hassan confirmed that Salah completed a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team adding that the captain is now ready for matches.

Morocco are also managing a delicate situation with Nayef Aguerd. The defender was included in the final squad despite missing nearly three months and the Atlas Lions are giving him every chance to prove his fitness before the opening clash against Brazil.

Achraf Hakimi, Aguerd, Neil El Aynaoui and Chemsdine Talbi have also followed individual training programs as Morocco try to manage fitness risks carefully before the tournament starts.

Cape Verde have taken one of the boldest gambles by including Logan Costa. The Villarreal defender only recently returned from a long ACL injury, but his quality made him too important to leave out.

Algeria are also watching Luca Zidane closely. The goalkeeper was named in the squad despite a jaw and chin injury, with the technical staff keeping extra cover in case his condition becomes a problem.

Who plays and who misses out?

The situation is now split into two clear groups.

Akpa and Bushiri are definitely out. Kudus, Salisu and Djiku will also miss the tournament after failing to make Ghana’s final squad because of injury problems.

Salah, Aguerd, Hakimi, Costa and Luca Zidane remain on course to be part of the World Cup, although some of them may not be fully sharp from the opening match.

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