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

Neymar finally returned for Brazil in their last group match against Scotland after missing the start of the tournament with a calf injury. His brief appearance brought hope that he might feature more as Brazil moves into the knockout phase.

Other teams face pressing concerns over injured stars. England's Reece James is out for their first knockout game due to a hamstring issue, while Declan Rice’s condition remains uncertain after being rested in the final group match. Spain suffered setbacks with wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino both injured in their game against Uruguay. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah also faces doubts ahead of the knockout rounds after picking up a knee problem.

Brazil: Neymar and Others

Neymar, sidelined by a calf injury before the tournament, made a short substitute appearance versus Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar’s progress is encouraging but his role in knockouts will depend on circumstances. Raphinha, who injured his hamstring during Brazil’s win over Haiti, missed the round of 32 match against Japan and is undergoing intensive treatment. Lucas Paqueta left the field with a muscle injury and his availability is still unclear.

England: Reece James, Declan Rice, and More

Reece James is ruled out of the round of 32 clash due to a minor hamstring tear. Manager Thomas Tuchel hopes James will return later but must take it day by day. Declan Rice played through discomfort earlier but was rested in the final group game as a precaution. Jarell Quansah suffered an ankle twist and won’t feature in the knockout stage. Tino Livramento was ruled out before the tournament with a calf injury.

Spain: Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino Injured

Williams suffered a groin injury that may end his World Cup, posting frustration about an avoidable incident causing the setback. Pino endured a collarbone injury described as an acromioclavicular sprain; he helped the team heroically before leaving the field and may miss the rest of the tournament.

Egypt: Mohamed Salah’s Status Uncertain

Salah was substituted early in the draw with Iran due to a knee issue. Manager Hossam Hassan remains hopeful the injury isn’t severe and expects Salah to recover in time for the knockouts.

United States: Christian Pulisic and Auston Trusty

Pulisic returned from injury to make a substitute appearance against Turkey despite a calf problem that forced him off at halftime in an earlier match. Trusty rolled his ankle badly in the defeat to Turkey and his fitness for upcoming games is uncertain.

Canada: Alphonso Davies and Ismael Kone

Davies missed the group matches but returned off the bench in the win over South Africa. Coach Jesse Marsch believes Davies will be ready for the next game. Midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a severe leg fracture and will miss the rest of the tournament.

Other Notable Injuries

• Edouard Mendy (Senegal) out with a knee injury ahead of knockout clash with Belgium.
• Cristian Romero (Argentina) sidelined after knee trouble, rested for last group match.
• Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) ruled out with quadricep injury.
• Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic) suffered a severe ankle injury; Czech team eliminated.
• Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay) stretchered off with knee injury as Uruguay exited the tournament.
• Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) out for months with ankle ligament tear; Germany eliminated.
• Wataru Endo (Japan) ruled out due to foot injury; has retired from international duty.
• Jurrien Timber (Netherlands) withdrawn after groin problems; team eliminated.
• Lennart Karl (Germany) tore thigh muscle in training; out of World Cup.

With many top players sidelined or doubtful, the knockout stages promise intense battles where teams will need depth and resilience more than ever.