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

Neymar returned briefly off the bench in Brazil’s final group match against Scotland after a calf injury sidelined him just weeks before the World Cup started. His comeback has sparked hope that the veteran star might take part in the knockout rounds, though his starting status remains uncertain.

Neymar (Brazil)

Having missed Brazil's first two games with a calf issue, Neymar showed signs of recovery with a late appearance against Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s steady progress but emphasized it depends on match conditions whether he starts going forward.

"Neymar is making great progress," Ancelotti said. "He could not train much but I believe he can play longer than 15 minutes. It will depend on the situation we face."

Reece James (England)

England face a setback as Reece James will miss their first knockout match due to a hamstring strain. He was absent in the group finale against Panama, with manager Thomas Tuchel hopeful but cautious about his return later in the tournament.

"Reece has a minor hamstring issue," Tuchel explained. "He’s in rehab and we take it day by day. We hope he will be fit for the next match, but it’s tight."

Declan Rice (England)

Rice experienced discomfort in his lower back and hamstring during England’s opening win but played through subsequent matches. He was an unused substitute against Panama as Tuchel opted not to risk him unnecessarily.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah’s participation in Egypt’s knockout matches is uncertain after he left the field early with a knee injury during a draw with Iran. The initial reports are optimistic, with coach Hossam Hassan believing the injury isn’t severe.

"I spoke to Salah and he said he’ll be OK," Hassan said. "It doesn’t seem like a big injury, and we still have time to assess."

Yeremy Pino (Spain)

Pino suffered an acromioclavicular sprain during Spain’s match with Uruguay, raising fears he might miss the rest of the World Cup. Despite intense pain, he helped his team until the end of the game.

"Pino may miss the rest of the tournament," said Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente. "He showed great courage despite the injury."

Nico Williams (Spain)

Williams injured his groin against Uruguay, adding to Spain’s growing list of injury troubles. His availability for the knockout stage is doubtful. He took to social media to express frustration but vowed to keep fighting.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic missed most of the group stage but returned briefly against Turkey after a calf injury forced him off at halftime earlier. Coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes he will be ready for the knockout rounds.

"I felt healthy and good to be back," Pulisic said. "Now, all eyes are on the knockouts to see if I can start."

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha exited Brazil’s win over Haiti with a hamstring injury and missed the round of 32 victory against Japan. The Barcelona forward is undergoing treatment aiming for a quick return.

"I’m doing everything to recover and be back with my teammates," Raphinha posted. "I want to fight for our goals and bring joy to Brazilian fans."

Jarell Quansah (England)

Quansah twisted his ankle against Panama and will miss England’s knockout game. Tuchel expressed concern about the right-back position but promised to find solutions.

Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Romero left Argentina’s match against Austria with a knee problem after a collision. He was rested for the final group match as his condition was monitored.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Davies sat out the group stage but came off the bench in Canada’s round of 32 win over South Africa. Coach Jesse Marsch expects him to be ready for the next match.

Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

Mendy suffered a knee injury against Norway and is ruled out for Senegal’s first knockout match versus Belgium, a significant loss for the African side.

Auston Trusty (United States)

Trusty rolled his ankle badly in the loss to Turkey. Though no stretcher was needed, his availability for the knockout rounds is uncertain.

Victor Munoz (Spain)

Munoz, recently signed by Liverpool, missed the World Cup so far due to a calf injury and further muscular problems. He is currently training alone.

Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)

Paqueta suffered a muscle injury against Japan and is doubtful for Brazil’s last-16 game. He is undergoing intensive treatment under the national team’s medical staff.

Tino Livramento (England)

Livramento was ruled out before the tournament started with a calf injury. England called up Trevoh Chalobah instead, who usually plays center-back.

Ismael Kone (Canada)

Kone underwent surgery for severe fractures in his lower leg sustained during the group stage and will miss the rest of the tournament.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Kudus is out of the World Cup due to a quadricep injury and hasn’t played since January, a blow for Ghana who face England in the group stage.

Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic - eliminated)

Soucek suffered a serious ankle injury after colliding with Mexico’s goalkeeper. With Czech Republic eliminated, he won't miss further World Cup games but could be sidelined at the start of the next season.

Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay - eliminated)

Ugarte left the field in tears after injuring his knee chasing a teammate during Uruguay’s elimination. He collided with Mathias Olivera while pursuing Spain’s Pedri.

Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany - eliminated)

Schlotterbeck tore a ligament in his ankle early in Germany’s Group E win but was ruled out for the rest of the tournament. The injury requires months of recovery.

Wataru Endo (Japan - eliminated)

Endo missed the tournament due to a foot injury sustained in February and immediately retired from international play, expressing no regrets about his effort to recover.

Jurrien Timber (Netherlands - eliminated)

Timber had a groin injury and though he briefly appeared in the Champions League final, medical staff deemed him unfit to participate in the World Cup. He left the squad early.

Lennart Karl (Germany - eliminated)

Karl was expected to shine but suffered a torn thigh muscle during training, ending his World Cup hopes before the tournament began.