The 2026 World Cup is just over a month away, with the world’s best players preparing to compete for football's ultimate prize across the USA, Canada, and Mexico starting 11 June. This edition features a record 48 teams contesting 104 matches, with final squad lists due in late May. However, the intense club season schedule has already taken its toll, leaving several top stars fighting to prove their fitness for the tournament.
Key Players Racing Against Time
Kylian Mbappe
France’s talisman Kylian Mbappe faces a battle to be fit after sustaining a hamstring injury against Real Betis on 24 April. Real Madrid confirmed the Frenchman suffered an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg, though no recovery timeline was provided. Depending on severity, he could return for the end of Madrid’s league campaign or miss the start of next season.
Lamine Yamal
Spain and Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, aged 18, is at risk after a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo on 22 April. Barcelona confirmed he will miss the remainder of the club season but stated he is expected to be available for the World Cup.
Estevao
Chelsea’s Brazilian teenager Estevao suffered a hamstring injury in a loss to Manchester United on 18 April. Interim manager Calum McFarlane confirmed he will not play for the club again this season. While sources suggest he may be fit for Brazil’s World Cup squad, some reports indicate a severe grade injury that could sideline him into next season.
Luka Modric
Croatia legend Luka Modric underwent surgery after a left cheekbone injury sustained in AC Milan’s draw with Juventus on 26 April. He is not expected to feature again for Milan this season, but Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic expressed confidence in his recovery for the World Cup.
Mohamed Salah
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah could be a high-profile absentee after being forced off with a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace. Liverpool manager Arne Slot was unsure if Salah would return before the season ends, with a scan scheduled ahead of the match against Manchester United on 3 May.
Achraf Hakimi
PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, key to Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run, is in doubt after a suspected hamstring injury in a Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich. PSG boss Luis Enrique could not provide an update after the match.
Cristian Romero
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was ruled out for the rest of the season after a leg injury against Sunderland on 12 April revealed a partial tear of his medial cruciate ligament. The Argentina international faces a race to be fit for the defending champions.
Confirmed Absentees
Several high-profile stars have already been ruled out of the World Cup. France and Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the tournament after suffering an Achilles injury in the Champions League defeat to PSG, with a six-month recovery expected. Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is out after an ACL injury sustained in March, while his teammate Eder Militao also misses out after hamstring surgery. Tottenham’s Xavi Simons is ruled out until next season with an ACL injury, and Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry will not feature due to an adductor tear.
