WWith less than 100 days until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the ball is rolling once again and fans are celebrating and enjoying their football. However, some players may not be able to participate in this event, or at least not be able to take the field.
Injuries have forced star players like Rodrigo Goes to say goodbye to their dreams of competing in this tournament, but he is not alone.
Stars who may miss out on the World Cup
The United States, Canada and Mexico will be the hosts, with 48 teams competing in the tournament from June 11th to July 19th.
However, Real Madrid confirmed in recent hours that Goes has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, meaning he will miss the remainder of the season with the club, as well as the World Cup, where he had hoped to play for Brazil.
Unfortunately, injuries affected other teams as well, with names such as Juan Foyth joining the injured list. The Argentine defender suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in January 2026 and has admitted that he will not be included in the group of players defending the title they won in 2022.
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish returned to form for Everton in January before sustaining an injury that will keep him out of 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. Although his participation in the World Cup is in jeopardy as he is still unable to put weight on his legs, Merino is racing against time to be one of the players called up.
Germany also has doubts about Marc-Ander ter Stegen. Ter Stegen was loaned to Girona after manager Hansi Flick signed Joao Galka at Rose and decided he needed more playing time, but two games later he suffered a serious hamstring tear in his left leg.
In the Asian Football Confederation, Japan is also in a race against time to sign Takumi Minamino, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while representing Monaco in December 2025.
Undoubtedly, injuries never come at a good time, but with the World Cup just around the corner and expectations running high, the situation is even more complicated. From now on, these players will spend their free time recovering and living their lives, and will support their team in this tournament as fans.
