World Cup 2026 Soccer / Football

4.6.26 France

France coach Didier Deschamps has reassured fans that defender William Saliba is not facing a serious injury issue ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Saliba, who had been dealing with a back problem and underwent medical evaluation, is expected to be managed carefully and will likely sit out France's friendly against Ivory Coast. Deschamps said the defender would have been available if the match had been essential.

4.6.26 Spain

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15. Yamal, who injured his left hamstring while playing for Barcelona in April, will miss Thursday's warmup match against Iraq but is progressing well in his recovery. De la Fuente said the 18-year-old could see limited action in the opener as Spain manages his fitness. Fellow injured players Nico Williams and Victor Munoz will also sit out, along with players involved in the recent Champions League final.

3.6.26 Austria

David Alaba has been cleared to travel to the World Cup after recovering from a muscle injury suffered during Austria's friendly win over Tunisia. However, Austria will be without key midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, who has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury in a pre-match warm-up. Coach Ralf Rangnick described Baumgartner's absence as a major blow, with the midfielder coming off a strong season for RB Leipzig.

3.6.26 Canada

Alphonso Davies has confirmed he will miss Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury suffered while playing for Bayern Munich. Davies said the decision was disappointing but necessary, with his availability for Canada's remaining group-stage matches against Qatar and Switzerland still uncertain.

2.6.26 France

William Saliba remains on track for the World Cup despite reports suggesting a back injury could jeopardize his participation. The France defender played the full 120 minutes in UEFA Champions League Final for Arsenal. Reports claimed his condition worsened afterward, but France manager Didier Deschamps downplayed the concerns, saying Saliba was with the squad and "everything is fine." While medical tests were conducted and his fitness for France's opening World Cup match against Senegal remains to be confirmed, Deschamps appears confident the center-back will be available if fully fit.

1.6.26 Canada

Canadian midfielder Marcelo Flores will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a torn ACL during CONCACAF Champions Cup Final action for UANL Tigres against Toluca. The 22-year-old sustained a noncontact right leg injury while dribbling and later confirmed the diagnosis on social media. Canada coach Jesse Marsch also confirmed the injury, which occurred just one day after Flores was named to Canada's World Cup squad.

31.5.26 Scotland

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has expressed his devastation after midfielder Billy Gilmour was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury suffered during a friendly win over Curacao national football team. Gilmour, a key figure in Scotland's qualifying campaign, was forced off in the first half and later learned the extent of the injury following a scan. Clarke is now considering several replacement options.

29.5.26 Brazil

Neymar is doubtful for the start of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury that is expected to sideline him for two to three weeks. Brazil's medical staff confirmed the Brazil national football team forward will miss upcoming friendlies against Panama and Egypt and could also miss the tournament opener against Morocco on June 13. Neymar, who recently returned to the national team squad under coach Carlo Ancelotti, is Brazil's all-time leading scorer and is preparing for his fourth World Cup appearance.