World Cup 2026 Injury Tracker: Updates on Neymar, Salah, Reece James & More

The 2026 World Cup has seen its share of injury drama, with some hopeful recoveries and others casting doubt over key players' participation. Neymar made an emotional return for Brazil against Scotland after a calf injury sidelined him for much of the group stage. His comeback sparked optimism about his involvement in the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, several teams continue to face fitness challenges. England will miss Reece James in their first knockout match due to a hamstring issue, while Declan Rice's condition remains uncertain after being rested as a precaution. Spain's campaign took a hit with injuries to wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, both of whom might miss the rest of the tournament. Egypt’s chances of having Mohamed Salah available for the knockout stages are also unclear after he suffered a knee injury.

Player Injury Details

Neymar (Brazil): After missing early matches due to a calf injury, Neymar came off the bench against Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is progressing well but may be limited in minutes depending on the match situation.
Reece James (England): Out for England's last-32 clash because of a minor hamstring problem. Thomas Tuchel hopes he might return later in the tournament.
Declan Rice (England): Had back and hamstring discomfort during group matches but managed to play full games. He was rested in the final group match as a precaution.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Suffered a knee injury during a 1-1 draw with Iran. Early signs are hopeful, with coach Hossam Hassan expecting him to recover.
Yeremy Pino (Spain): Sustained a collarbone sprain against Uruguay, possibly ruling him out for the remainder of the World Cup.
Nico Williams (Spain): Groin injury threatens his participation beyond the group stage, adding to Spain’s injury woes.
Christian Pulisic (United States): Returned from a calf injury and played briefly off the bench against Turkey. Fitness for knockout matches is still under observation.
Raphinha (Brazil): Hamstring injury kept him out since the win over Haiti; he missed the round of 32 game but is undergoing intensive treatment.
Jarell Quansah (England): Suffered an ankle twist against Panama and is out for the round of 32. England’s right-back options are now stretched thin.
Cristian Romero (Argentina): Knee injury forced him off during the win over Austria. He was rested for the final group game.
Alphonso Davies (Canada): Sat out group stage due to hamstring issues but made a substitute appearance in the round of 32 victory over South Africa.
Edouard Mendy (Senegal): Knee injury ruled him out of Senegal’s first knockout match versus Belgium.
Auston Trusty (United States): Rolled his ankle badly in the group stage loss to Turkey and faces uncertainty for the next match.
Victor Munoz (Spain): New Liverpool signing has been sidelined with calf and muscular injuries, currently training alone.
Lucas Paqueta (Brazil): Left the game at halftime with a muscle issue; undergoing treatment with no clear return date yet.
Tino Livramento (England): Ruled out before the tournament with a calf injury; replacement decisions made by the coaching staff.
Ismael Kone (Canada): Suffered severe leg fractures during the group stage and is out for the tournament after surgery.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): Quadricep injury rules him out; he hasn't played since January.
Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic - eliminated): Left with a serious ankle injury in final group match; will miss start of club season.
Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay - eliminated): Knee injury from a collision ended his World Cup run, leaving him in tears.
Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany - eliminated): Torn ankle ligament sustained early in the tournament, sidelining him for months.
Wataru Endo (Japan - eliminated): Foot injury ruled him out; he has retired from international football.
Jurrien Timber (Netherlands - eliminated): Groin injury prevented participation despite returning briefly to club action.
Lennart Karl (Germany - eliminated): Young talent lost to torn thigh muscle in training.

Injuries have shaped many teams’ paths in this World Cup, forcing coaches to adapt strategies and lineups on the fly. Some players like Neymar and Pulisic hint at comebacks, while others face long recoveries or complete exits from the tournament. The knockouts promise intense battles, with fitness questions lingering over some of the biggest names.