The 2026 World Cup is down to its last eight, meaning teams will be praying not to suffer any untimely injury setbacks in their quest for global glory.
Some of the big injury sagas heading into the tournament have come to happy endings, with Lamine Yamal now a regular fixture for Spain after returning to full fitness, while injury-ridden Neymar was able to get some minutes in what will be his final World Cup, before Brazil’s elimination at the hands of Norway.
However, many nations are still sweating over major concerns to top players. England have been dealing with a defensive injury crisis for much of the tournament and while that appeared to easing with Reece James closing in on a return, Declan Rice‘s fitness is now up in the air after being struck down with illness before the quarter-final clash with Norway.
France will be sweating over the fitness of Kylian Mbappe after he was brought off with a knock against Morocco. Spain, meanwhile, have seen their winger options limited since the end of the group stage, with Yeremy Pino and Victor Munoz still out. And in a potential concern for Newcastle fans hoping to see one of their top targets in action, Switzerland will be without star man Johan Manzambi for their last-eight tie with Argentina.
See below for a full list of key injuries at this year’s World Cup.