With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, a number of top football stars across the globe are facing the prospect of missing the tournament due to significant injuries. Here is a rundown of the elite-level players whose participation is in doubt.
Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona wonderkid has excelled domestically and in Europe this season, but could be out of the picture for this summer's tournament. Yamal was spotted clutching at his hamstring after scoring from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo this week. Barcelona have confirmed that he will miss the rest of the season, casting doubt on his availability for Spain's World Cup campaign.
Hugo Ekitike
The French striker ruptured his Achilles during last week's Champions League quarter-final defeat at Anfield against Paris Saint-Germain. He is expected to be sidelined for up to nine months, meaning he will play no part in France's World Cup run.
Estevao
The Brazilian sensation has hit the ground running with Chelsea this season, but suffered a grade four hamstring injury against Manchester United last week. He is highly likely to miss the rest of the season, with manager Carlo Ancelotti anxiously awaiting news on his participation in the world stage in the coming months.
Rodrygo
Elsewhere, Brazil will be without Rodrygo this summer after the Real Madrid winger tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The 25-year-old has since undergone surgery and faces a lengthy road to recovery.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
The USA star will not see a dream homecoming this summer, having ruptured his Achilles. Carter-Vickers is racing against all odds to make an appearance for his country, but the World Cup may come far too soon for the Celtic defender.
Juan Foyth
The Argentina and Villarreal defender also ruptured his Achilles in January during a La Liga fixture with Real Madrid. As a result, he will not have the opportunity to prove himself at this summer's tournament.
James Maddison
While he returned to the bench against Brighton for the first time since sustaining an ACL injury in pre-season at the weekend, Maddison will likely be omitted from Thomas Tuchel's plans this summer. The attacking midfielder has not played a minute of Premier League football this season, and with a wealth of competition in his position who have thrived at club level, it is unlikely that Tuchel will call him up.
Patrick Agyemang
Derby County striker Patrick Agyemang was handed a devastating injury blow earlier this month when he too suffered an Achilles injury. Agyemang was primed to be a major player for co-hosts the USA but has now had that dream snatched away from him in cruel fashion.
