The FIFA World Cup is often considered the stage where the biggest stars shine and try to make an impact on their respective teams. Teams depend on these players as a source of inspiration and magic during the tournament.

However, this year many big names will be out of the tournament due to injuries due to which they will be out of the tournament for a long time. While some are expected to be ready before the start of the new season of club football, others will only return towards the end of the year.

These stars will definitely be missed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and we will take a look at their injuries and the length of time they have been out of action.

rodrigo

The biggest name to drop out of the World Cup this year is Rodrigo. He was a key part of the Brazil squad in 2022 and was expected to feature in the tournament despite his poor form for Real Madrid.

However, he tore his ACL during a league game against Getafe in March this year, meaning his season and World Cup dream was over.

Rodrigo is expected to be out for 8 to 10 months, which means he will return to the field by the end of the year.

hugo akitike

Hugo Ekitike has had a sensational start to life at Liverpool and his form has more or less guaranteed him a place with France at this year’s World Cup. With 11 goals in 28 matches last season, Ekitike was expected to form a strike force alongside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to terrorize defenses at the World Cup.

But the striker ruptured his Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League clash against PSG and underwent surgery to repair the problem. Ekitike is expected to be out for a long time.

Mohammad Qudus

The 2022 World Cup was a breakout campaign for Mohammed Qudus as he shone on the big stage with Ghana. Following the move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Ghanaian forward was expected to switch into a new gear.

But Spurs’ season quickly unraveled and Kudus found himself injured. The 25-year-old suffered a quadriceps injury in January and a setback in March, meaning he will miss the upcoming World Cup.

fermin lopez

Along with Gavi and Pedri, Fermín López was expected to form a new force in midfield for Spain at this World Cup. With 13 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances for Barcelona this season, Fermín was expected to burst onto the scene this time around.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old’s dreams of playing in the World Cup were cut short as he suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and underwent surgery to repair the problem.

He is expected to be out for a few months and, fortunately for Barça, should be back in time for the new season. But his creativity and flair will be a big miss for Spain, who are aiming to secure their second World Cup title.

eder militao

Eder Militao has been a utility defender for Real Madrid and Brazil for years and that was expected to be his role at this World Cup.

The Brazilian defender has suffered major injuries during his career, but the current injury could end his career. Militao suffered a hamstring injury that was so serious, his surgeon said surgery was the only option to preserve his career.

“What I can say is that his injury was very serious. The only option was surgery: with that hamstring injury, he could not continue his professional career at the highest level. The decision was clear. We are very sorry that as a result, he will not be able to participate in the World Cup this summer,” Militao’s surgeon told Marca.

Militao’s absence is a major blow to Brazil and their bid to become six-time World Cup champions.

xavi simmons

Xavi Simmons has not had a good start to life in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur as the midfielder struggled to make an impact.

Despite this, Simons has proven to be a point of difference for the Netherlands, often being his creative outlet. He played just one game during Qatar 2022 and was expected to have a successful campaign at this World Cup.

Unfortunately, Simmons tore the ACL in his right knee during a league game for the Spurs in April and is expected to be out for an extended period of time.

He underwent surgery, but is expected to be out until the end of the year to recover from the problem.

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