Less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America, the final stretch of the club season has turned into a real nightmare for several national teams.
The physical toll caused by the European calendar has already confirmed the definitive withdrawal of some of world football’s biggest names, while other stars are racing against the clock in the medical department.
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The Brazilian national team suffered one of its hardest blows with the loss of Rodrygo.
The Real Madrid forward tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee in March and will need six to seven months of recovery.
The reigning world champion, Argentina, also has confirmed absences: Joaquín Panichelli (knee ligament tear) and defender Juan Foyth (Achilles tendon rupture).
In Europe, Germany has also suffered a major blow with Serge Gnabry’s injury.
The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder tore the adductor muscle in his right thigh during training and will be sidelined for at least three months.
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Another World Cup-winning national team with a confirmed absence is France.
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké suffered an Achilles tendon injury two months before the World Cup.
One of the tournament’s host countries, Mexico, lost starting goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón of Club América, also because of an Achilles tendon injury.
Check out the players who are out of the World Cup
Rodrygo (Brazil)
Joaquín Panichelli (Argentina)
Juan Foyth (Argentina)
Hugo Ekitike (France)
Patrick Agyemang (United States)
Gnabry (Germany)
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Malagón (Mexico)
Concern over trio
In addition to the definitive absences, coaching staffs are on high alert over players who were recently injured and have become doubtful just weeks before the final squad announcements:
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Lamine Yamal (Spain): The 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy injured his left thigh last Wednesday (22) against Celta de Vigo. The Catalan club has already confirmed that he is out for the rest of the European season. Despite the scare, Spain’s staff hopes he can recover in time to travel to North America.
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Éder Militão (Brazil): The Real Madrid defender has been dealing with physical issues and wear and tear in the final stretch of La Liga, and he has also had an injury confirmed. Although it appears to be less serious, the situation requires caution.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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