The 2026 World Cup is just over a month away, with the tournament set to kick off on 11 June across the USA, Canada and Mexico. As the final squad lists are due in late May, several high-profile players are battling injuries to be fit for the competition.
Kylian Mbappe suffered a hamstring injury on 24 April while playing for Real Madrid against Real Betis. The club confirmed a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg but did not provide a recovery timeline. Depending on severity, he could return before the end of the season or be ruled out until next season.
Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Spain star, also sustained a hamstring injury on 22 April against Celta Vigo. Barcelona confirmed he will miss the rest of the club season but is expected to be available for the World Cup. Chelsea's Brazilian youngster Estevao suffered a similar injury on 18 April against Manchester United; interim manager Calum McFarlane said he will not play again this season, though sources suggest he may be fit for Brazil's squad.
Croatia's Luka Modric underwent surgery for a left cheekbone injury sustained on 26 April against Juventus. Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic expressed confidence he will recover in time. Egypt captain Mo Salah is a doubt after being forced off with a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace; Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he is unsure if Salah will return before the end of the campaign. PSG's Achraf Hakimi also suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on 29 April.
Several players have already been ruled out, including France and Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, who suffered an Achilles injury in the Champions League. Tottenham's Cristian Romero is out for the season with a partial tear of his medial cruciate ligament and faces a race to be fit for Argentina.
