The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico is already being shaped by injury setbacks, with several players ruled out or facing a race against time to be fit for selection.
As national teams prepare provisional squad lists, a number of high profile absentees have emerged following serious injuries during the 2025-26 season, dealing early blows to World Cup ambitions.
Spain’s options have been reduced after Samu Aghehowa suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February. The FC Porto forward had been in strong form before the setback, which is expected to keep him out of the tournament.
The United States could also be without Patrick Agyemang, who sustained a serious Achilles injury while playing for Derby County. Fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers remains a doubt after undergoing Achilles surgery, with his availability uncertain.
Argentina have been affected by multiple injuries, including midfielder Valentín Carboni, who tore his ACL while on loan at Racing Club. Defender Juan Foyth, part of Argentina’s previous World Cup winning squad, is also sidelined after suffering an Achilles injury with Villarreal CF.
France will be without Hugo Ekitike after the Liverpool forward ruptured his Achilles tendon during a Champions League match, ruling him out of contention.
Hosts Mexico have concerns over goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, who is recovering from an Achilles tear, while Brazil will be without forward Rodrygo after he suffered an ACL injury playing for Real Madrid.
Another Argentine prospect, Joaquín Panichelli, has been ruled out following a second ACL injury in two years while at RC Strasbourg.
Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu is also expected to miss the tournament after sustaining an ACL injury earlier this year.
With months still to go before the World Cup begins, injuries are already reshaping potential squads, highlighting the physical demands of the modern game and the fine margins that determine who reaches football’s biggest stage.
