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

Brazil’s Neymar has made a long-awaited comeback off the bench against Scotland after missing the start of the tournament due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old’s return gives Brazil a potential boost as they advance beyond the group stage.

England faces challenges with injuries too; Reece James is sidelined for the first knockout match because of a hamstring strain, while Declan Rice’s condition remains uncertain following his rest in the group finale against Panama.

Spain’s squad is hit hard by injuries after wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino both suffered setbacks in their match versus Uruguay. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s participation in Egypt’s knockout stage is doubtful due to a knee problem picked up during their draw with Iran.

Neymar (Brazil)

After sitting out Brazil’s initial two games because of a calf injury, Neymar’s appearance off the bench marks a hopeful return. Coach Carlo Ancelotti noted Neymar’s progress but hinted that starting him depends on the match situation.

"Neymar is making great progress," said Ancelotti. "Though he couldn't train much with us, he managed 15 minutes and might do more depending on the circumstances."

Reece James (England)

James will miss England’s round of 32 fixture due to a minor hamstring issue. Manager Thomas Tuchel described an accelerated rehab plan but cautioned that James’s availability beyond this match is still uncertain.

"Reece was unable to train in the last two days. We hope he'll be fit for upcoming matches but it's tight," Tuchel explained.

Declan Rice (England)

Rice felt discomfort during England’s opening win over Croatia but played fully against Ghana and remained on the bench against Panama. Though available, Tuchel chose not to risk him unnecessarily.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah left Egypt’s match early with a knee injury, raising doubts about his involvement in the knockouts. Egypt’s coach expressed cautious optimism regarding his recovery.

"Salah told me it’s not a big injury, and we hope he will be back," said manager Hossam Hassan.

Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams (Spain)

Pino suffered an acromioclavicular sprain to his collarbone, possibly ending his World Cup journey. Williams faces groin issues after a tough year, which may also rule him out of the knockout rounds.

"Pino might miss the rest of the World Cup," stated Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente. Williams shared on social media his frustration but vowed to come back strong.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic missed most of the group stage due to a calf injury but returned briefly off the bench against Turkey. His fitness for the knockout stages remains to be seen.

"I felt healthy and good to get some minutes," Pulisic told Fox Sports.

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha exited Brazil’s win over Haiti with a hamstring injury and missed the round of 32 win against Japan. He is undergoing treatment aiming for a quick recovery.

"I will do everything to recover quickly and fight for my team," Raphinha posted on social media.

Jarell Quansah (England)

England’s right-back situation worsened as Quansah twisted his ankle against Panama and will miss the upcoming knockout match.

Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Romero left Argentina’s match due to a knee injury after an accidental stamp. He was rested for the final group game as his status for the knockouts remains uncertain.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Davies missed all group games because of a hamstring injury but made a substitute appearance in Canada’s dramatic round of 32 victory over South Africa. Coach Jesse Marsch expects him ready for the next match.

Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

Mendy suffered a knee injury against Norway and will miss Senegal’s first knockout match against Belgium, a serious setback for the team.

Auston Trusty (United States)

Trusty rolled his ankle badly in the loss to Turkey and his participation in the knockout round is uncertain.

Victor Munoz (Spain)

The recent Liverpool signing has not played yet due to a calf injury and additional muscular problems, currently training alone.

Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)

Paqueta was forced off at halftime against Japan with a muscle injury and is doubtful for Brazil’s next game.

Tino Livramento (England)

Livramento was ruled out before the tournament started due to a calf injury, pushing England to adjust their squad options.

Ismael Kone (Canada)

Kone suffered severe leg fractures against Qatar and underwent surgery, ending his World Cup campaign prematurely.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Kudus will miss the World Cup with a quadricep injury, a blow to Ghana’s squad in England’s group.

Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic - eliminated)

Soucek sustained a serious ankle injury in the loss to Mexico; though Czech Republic is out of the tournament, this may affect his club season.

Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay - eliminated)

Ugarte was stretchered off with a knee injury after a collision during Uruguay’s elimination match and left the field in tears.

Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany - eliminated)

Schlotterbeck tore an ankle ligament early in Germany’s group stage win, ruling him out for several months and ending his World Cup participation.

Wataru Endo (Japan - eliminated)

Endo missed the World Cup due to a foot injury sustained earlier in the year and has since retired from international football.

Jurrien Timber (Netherlands - eliminated)

Timber was deemed unfit medically to compete despite returning briefly in club action and has left the Dutch squad.

Lennart Karl (Germany - eliminated)

Karl was ruled out after suffering a torn thigh muscle in training, ending hopes for his breakthrough at the tournament.