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

Neymar finally returned for Brazil against Scotland after missing earlier games with a calf injury. His brief appearance sparked hope he could feature more in the knockout rounds at 34 years old. Meanwhile, several teams face serious fitness questions about key players as the tournament progresses.

Neymar's Comeback

After sitting out Brazil’s first two matches due to a calf problem, Neymar came off the bench versus Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti noted his progress but admitted Neymar couldn’t train fully before that cameo. Whether he starts upcoming knockout matches remains uncertain, with younger players also competing for spots.

"Neymar is making great progress," said Ancelotti before Brazil's round of 32 game against Japan. "He could not train during the time he was with us so he could only play 15 minutes, but he is doing well enough to do that."

England’s Defensive Worries

Reece James will miss England’s round of 32 match due to a hamstring injury sustained before their final group game. Manager Thomas Tuchel said James entered an accelerated rehab program and hopes remain for his return later in the tournament. Another concern is Declan Rice, who felt discomfort during the group stage but managed to play and was rested in the final game as a precaution.

Spain’s Injury Setbacks

Spain suffered injuries to wingers Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams during their match against Uruguay. Pino has a collarbone sprain and may miss the rest of the tournament, though there is no fracture. Williams faces a groin injury that could also rule him out. Williams shared frustration over how his injury occurred but vowed to recover.

Mohamed Salah’s Knockout Hopes

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was taken off early with a knee issue during the draw with Iran, casting doubt on his participation in knockout games. Coach Hossam Hassan expressed optimism that Salah’s injury was not severe and expects him to recover in time.

Other Key Player Injuries

  • Christian Pulisic (USA): Returned off the bench after missing most of group stage with a calf problem but was subbed at halftime in one match.
  • Raphinha (Brazil): Out since suffering a hamstring injury versus Haiti; Brazil hopeful for his return after intensive treatment.
  • Jarell Quansah (England): Suffered an ankle twist and will miss the round of 32, worsening England’s right-back issues.
  • Cristian Romero (Argentina): Left the field with a knee injury but rested in final group game as recovery continues.
  • Alphonso Davies (Canada): Missed group games due to hamstring but returned off the bench in last-32 win over South Africa.
  • Edouard Mendy (Senegal): Ruled out of knockouts with knee injury sustained against Norway.
  • Auston Trusty (USA): Rolled his ankle badly against Turkey, uncertain if fit for knockout match.
  • Victor Munoz (Spain): New Liverpool signing sidelined by calf and muscular injuries, currently training alone.
  • Lucas Paqueta (Brazil): Muscle injury forced him off mid-game; undergoing treatment with no clear return date.
  • Tino Livramento (England): Ruled out before tournament start with calf injury, forcing squad reshuffles.
  • Ismael Kone (Canada): Suffered severe leg fractures requiring surgery, ending his World Cup.
  • Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): Out with quadriceps injury, missing tournament entirely.
  • Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic): Serious ankle injury ended his tournament after Czech Republic’s elimination.
  • Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay): Knee injury caused by collision, leaving the field in tears as Uruguay bowed out.
  • Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany): Torn ankle ligament ruled him out after group stage victory.
  • Wataru Endo (Japan): Foot injury led to retirement from international football without World Cup appearance.
  • Jurrien Timber (Netherlands): Groin injury kept him out despite late return to club action; left squad due to insufficient recovery.
  • Lennart Karl (Germany): Thigh muscle tear in training ruled him out before tournament began.

Many teams now face difficult decisions with these absences as the knockout rounds approach. Some players are pushing hard to return while others are certain misses. We think Neymar’s return will be a major boost for Brazil, but England’s defensive options look thin. Spain’s attacking injuries also complicate their challenge, and Egypt’s fate depends heavily on Salah’s recovery. The World Cup’s physical toll is clear, shaping the drama ahead.

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