World Cup 2026 Injury Updates: Neymar, Salah, James and More

The 2026 World Cup has seen some serious injury concerns among key players, but Neymar’s return for Brazil against Scotland has offered a bit of relief. The 34-year-old came off the bench in Brazil’s final group match after missing earlier games with a calf injury. It remains uncertain whether he will start in the knockout rounds or if coach Carlo Ancelotti will favour younger players.

Neymar (Brazil)

After sitting out Brazil’s first two matches due to a calf issue, Neymar appeared briefly against Scotland, signaling progress. Ancelotti commented on his condition ahead of Brazil's Round of 32 match with Japan, noting Neymar’s limited training time but positive recovery trajectory.

Reece James (England)

England faces setbacks with Reece James sidelined by a hamstring injury, missing their last-32 match. Manager Thomas Tuchel described it as a minor hamstring problem and said James is undergoing accelerated rehab, hoping he can return later in the tournament.

Declan Rice (England)

Rice experienced discomfort in his lower back and hamstring early on but played fully in the draw with Ghana. He was rested in England’s final group game, with no risk taken despite being available.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah’s chances of featuring in Egypt’s knockout match are uncertain after he left the field early against Iran with a knee injury. His coach, Hossam Hassan, remains hopeful it’s not serious, citing positive talks with Salah post-match.

Yeremy Pino (Spain)

Pino suffered an acromioclavicular sprain to his collarbone against Uruguay and could miss the rest of the World Cup. Coach Luis de la Fuente mentioned the severity of the injury and praised Pino’s effort during the match despite the pain.

Nico Williams (Spain)

Williams faces doubts about his participation due to a groin injury sustained in the same game versus Uruguay. He expressed frustration on social media over the injury but promised to keep fighting.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic returned to action after missing much of the group stage with a calf injury. He shone early against Paraguay but was subbed off at halftime. Pulisic made a late substitute appearance in the final group match, showing signs of recovery ahead of the knockout rounds.

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha has been out since suffering a hamstring injury against Haiti and missed Brazil’s tight win over Japan. He is undergoing intensive treatment aiming for a quick return, with strong determination shared on social media.

Jarell Quansah (England)

Quansah twisted his ankle during the Panama game and will miss England’s Round of 32 clash. Tuchel admitted concern over England’s right-back options but is confident the team will find solutions.

Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Romero left Argentina’s win over Austria with a knee problem after being stamped on. He was rested in the final group game to aid recovery.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Davies missed Canada’s entire group stage with a hamstring injury but returned off the bench in their knockout win against South Africa. The Bayern Munich player hopes to start their upcoming match.

Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

Mendy will miss Senegal’s first knockout match against Belgium due to a knee injury sustained against Norway.

Auston Trusty (United States)

Trusty rolled his ankle badly against Turkey and was subbed off. While no stretcher was needed, his fitness for the knockout stage remains uncertain.

Victor Munoz (Spain)

Munoz, a new Liverpool signing, has yet to feature after calf and muscular injuries delayed his debut. He continues individual training away from the main squad.

Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)

Paqueta left the Japan game at halftime with a muscle injury. Brazil’s medical staff are treating him intensively, but no return date has been given yet.

Tino Livramento (England)

Livramento was ruled out of the tournament before it started due to a calf injury. England called up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah instead of adding another full-back.

Ismael Kone (Canada)

Kone suffered severe leg fractures in the group stage and underwent surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the World Cup.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Kudus will miss the tournament due to a quadriceps injury and has not played since January.

Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic - eliminated)

Soucek suffered a serious ankle injury against Mexico and was stretchered off. With Czech Republic eliminated, he will miss future club games.

Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay - eliminated)

Ugarte was stretchered off with a knee injury during Uruguay’s loss to Spain and left the field in tears.

Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany - eliminated)

Schlotterbeck’s tournament ended early due to a medial collateral ligament injury in his left ankle sustained against Ivory Coast.

Wataru Endo (Japan - eliminated)

Endo injured his foot earlier this year and retired from international duty after being ruled out of the World Cup.

Jurrien Timber (Netherlands - eliminated)

Timber was sidelined with a groin injury, deemed unfit to participate, and left the Dutch squad.

Lennart Karl (Germany - eliminated)

Karl suffered a torn thigh muscle in training, ending his World Cup hopes.