FIFA World Cup 2026 Injuries & Replacements: Full list of players ruled out
Many players have picked up injuries in warm-up games.
Finally, the last week until the FIFA World Cup 2026 starts has arrived. Mexico will play South Africa in the first group stage match in Mexico City on Thursday, marking the formal opening of the competition.
In the meantime, warm-up fixtures will provide us with a sneak peek at every nation’s preparations. We got another glimpse of the USMNT’s situation in the lead-up to the tournament during Saturday’s game against Germany.
Although teams usually test out their final lineups in these games (France, for instance, had pulled many of its starters for the second half), the results at these tune-ups should be viewed realistically as a sign of some of the thrilling chaos that this tournament may bring. As the countdown to kickoff begins, we’ll be keeping an eye on everything.
With these friendlies underway, many nations have also dealt with setbacks as several of their notable players have sustained serious injuries. Some have been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Numerous athletes who were expected to excel for their nations will either have to drop out due to injuries or rush to be well in time to play.
Who is still fit to play this summer, and who has been replaced by other players? Here is the latest information on the major injuries affecting teams heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Injuries & Replacements: Full list of players ruled out
| Nation | Injured player | Replacement |
| Germany | Lennart Karl | Assan Ouédraogo |
| Canada | Marcelo Flores | – |
| Scotland | Billy Gilmour | Tyler Fletcher |
| Brazil | Neymar | – |
| Spain | Mikel Merino | – |
| Canada | Alphonso Davies | – |
| France | William Saliba | – |
| Spain | Lamine Yamal | – |
| Argentina | Lionel Messi | – |
| Canada | Moïse Bombito | Luc de Fougerolles |
| Paraguay | Julio Enciso | – |
| Argentina | Leonardo Balerdi | – |
Which player will miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to injury?
Germany’s Lennart Karl will miss the competition.
Who is Kart’s replacement?
Assan Ouédraogo.
Has Neymar been replaced?
No, he is still in the squad.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.