Five high-profile players ruled out of the World Cup due to injuries
Five high-profile players ruled out of the World Cup due to injuries A number of high-profile stars are set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico due to injuries. Picking up an injury at this stage of the season is a nightmare for players, many of whom are only a couple of months away from representing their nation in the biggest football tournament. Several players have already been ruled out for the rest of the season, but could still recover in time to play in the World Cup.
However, Sports Central takes a look at five players who have already seen their dreams of playing in the World Cup fade into despair. Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool/France Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon 30 minutes into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain. That setback has ruled him out until late 2026 and potentially into early 2027, officially ending his hopes of playing in the World Cup.
The 23-year-old was stretchered off in visible distress during the 2-0 defeat against the reigning champions, with France head coach Didier Deschamps later confirming his World Cup fate. Ekitike has been a crucial player for Liverpool since his big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, notching 17 goals and six assists in 45 games across all competitions. Rodrygo – Real Madrid/Brazil Carlo Ancelotti will not be able to call on one of Brazil’s brightest attacking talents at the World Cup, with Rodrygo ruled out due to a serious knee injury.
The Real Madrid forward suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee during Los Blancos’ narrow 1-0 defeat to Getafe in early March. Coming off the bench in that match, Rodrygo’s appearance quickly turned into a nightmare, with the injury now set to keep him sidelined until further notice. In an emotional message shared online, the 25-year-old described the setback as one of the “worst days of my life” as he’ll be forced to cheer his countrymen from the sidelines.
Rodrygo wasn’t having the best season before his injury, but he remains a key player for club and country. Xavi Simons – Tottenham Hotspur/Netherlands Tottenham Hotspur finally secured their first victory in 2026 against already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it came at a heavy cost. Roberto De Zerbi’s side claimed a 1-0 victory, but the celebrations were dampened by Xavi Simons’ season-ending injury just before the hour mark.