World Cup injury update: Major absences and fitness doubts before kick-off

World Cup 2026 Today at 17:15

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Several World Cup teams are racing against time as late injuries reshape squads before the tournament begins.

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

Read Also: Morocco suffer major injury blow in USA before World Cup opener

The dangerous final week

The final warm up window before FIFA World Cup 2026 was supposed to give national teams rhythm, confidence and tactical clarity. Instead it has become one of the most stressful periods of the build up.

With the tournament just days away, several players have either been ruled out completely or placed in a race against time after suffering injuries during friendlies, pre match warm ups or final training sessions.

Players officially ruled out

Brazil suffered one of the biggest late blows when right back Wesley was ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a left thigh muscle injury during the friendly against Egypt.

The Roma defender was Brazil’s only specialist right back in Carlo Ancelotti’s original squad making his absence especially painful before the Group C opener against Morocco.

Brazil responded by calling up Atalanta midfielder Ederson leaving Danilo & Roger Ibanez as possible defensive solutions on the right side.

Scotland also lost a key midfielder during their preparations. Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury in the 4-1 friendly win over Curacao and was immediately ruled out of the tournament. His place was handed to teenager Tyler Fletcher who suddenly moved from a training role into Scotland’s final World Cup squad.

Austria were hit before the ball was even kicked against Tunisia. Christoph Baumgartner suffered a thigh injury during the pre match warm up before the 1-0 friendly win and was later ruled out after medical checks. Ralf Rangnick decided not to call up a replacement.

Argentina’s defensive depth also took a late hit. Leonardo Balerdi was forced out of the tournament after suffering a muscle injury in his right calf during training. The Marseille defender had been selected in Lionel Scaloni’s squad and was preparing for his first World Cup but the injury ended that dream before Argentina’s title defence even began.

Germany had their own painful moment when young Bayern Munich talent Lennart Karl suffered a muscle tear in training. Julian Nagelsmann reacted by calling up RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo who received a surprise late ticket to the tournament.

Iraq also made a late squad change after Ahmed Yahya was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Ahmed Hassan Makenzie was called up as his replacement as Iraq prepared for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years.

Players still fighting to play

Not every injury has ended in exclusion.

Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s friendly against Honduras because of muscle fatigue and a mild left hamstring strain, but there is no indication that Argentina plan to remove him from the squad. The defending champions are managing his workload carefully, with his participation depending on clinical and functional progress.

Brazil are following a similar approach with Neymar. The 34 year old missed Brazil’s final warm-up against Egypt because of a calf injury and remained in treatment, but Ancelotti has repeatedly made it clear that he still sees him as part of the World Cup squad.

Spain have better news around Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Both forwards have been recovering from injury, but Luis de la Fuente expects them to be available for Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde. Yamal’s minutes may still be managed carefully, especially after his hamstring problem, but Spain’s staff appear optimistic.

The United States are still waiting on Chris Richards. The Crystal Palace defender missed the final friendly against Germany with an ankle injury and remains a doubt for the World Cup opener against Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino must now decide whether to keep faith with a key defender who may not be fully ready or make a late replacement.

Paraguay face a similar dilemma with Julio Enciso. The Strasbourg forward was stretchered off in tears during the friendly win over Nicaragua, creating major concern before the opening match against the United States.

Returned after treatment

There have also been encouraging comeback stories.

Mohamed Salah returned for Egypt in the second half of the 2-1 friendly defeat against Brazil after completing a rehabilitation program. Hossam Hassan said the Egyptian captain is now ready for matches, giving Egypt a major boost before their World Cup opener against Belgium.

Romelu Lukaku has also returned for Belgium after an injury-hit season. He scored against Croatia, then played more minutes from the bench in the 5-0 win over Tunisia. Belgium are still managing his fitness, but his return gives Rudi Garcia a powerful option before facing Egypt.

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