Injuries are always part of the buildup to a World Cup, but the 2026 cycle has already seen several notable players officially ruled out due to major injuries ranging from ACL tears to Achilles ruptures. While some are global stars, others are rising contributors whose absences could quietly impact depth, tactics, and futures markets heading into the tournament.

Rodrygo (Brazil)

Rodrygo suffered a torn ACL, ending both his club season and his World Cup hopes. The injury is a major loss for Brazil’s attack given his versatility across the front line and ability to create in transition.

Patrick Agyemang (United States)

Agyemang ruptured his Achilles tendon during the club season, eliminating him from contention for the World Cup. The injury is particularly significant for a player whose game relies heavily on explosiveness and vertical movement.

Samu Aghehowa (Spain)

The young Spanish striker suffered a torn ACL after emerging as one of the more exciting breakout forwards in Europe. Spain loses an athletic depth piece who was beginning to push for a larger role.

Valentín Carboni (Argentina)

Carboni’s ACL tear halted what had been a promising developmental season. Argentina’s depth softens the blow, but the injury removes one of the federation’s more creative young midfield options.

Juan Foyth (Argentina)

Foyth suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, one of the most difficult injuries for defenders to return from due to the loss of lateral explosiveness. His experience and versatility would have provided valuable tournament depth.

Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Simons suffered a major knee injury, reportedly ACL-related, ruling him out of the World Cup. The Netherlands lose one of their top young creators and transition playmakers.

Estevão (Brazil)

The rising Brazilian star suffered a severe Grade 4 hamstring tear, an injury carrying substantial recurrence risk and a lengthy recovery timeline. Brazil loses one of its most explosive young attacking talents.

Takumi Minamino (Japan)

Minamino suffered a torn ACL late in the season, removing one of Japan’s most experienced attacking contributors from the squad picture.

Cameron Carter-Vickers (United States)

Carter-Vickers underwent Achilles surgery after chronic lower-leg issues worsened throughout the season. The U.S. loses an experienced central defender with international tournament experience.

Joaquín Panichelli (Argentina)

Panichelli suffered a torn ACL during a breakout campaign, ending his World Cup hopes before they fully materialized. Though not a household name, he had been gaining momentum as a depth striker option.

The common theme across many of these absences is the prevalence of ACL and Achilles injuries, both of which remain among the most devastating injuries in football due to long recovery timelines and high re-injury concerns. For nations with elite depth like Brazil and Argentina, the losses are manageable but still impactful. For thinner squads like the United States and Japan, losing key contributors could materially alter roster flexibility and overall tournament outlook.

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