Cesena goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann has been ruled out of World Cup 2026 after suffering a fractured spine during a Serie B match on Saturday, ending his season abruptly and extinguishing any remaining hope of representing the United States in the tournament.

Klinsmann, 29, was injured in a collision with Palermo's Filippo Ranocchia and was carried off the pitch wearing a neck brace. His club later confirmed the injury as a fracture to the first cervical vertebra — the neck bone closest to the base of the skull — along with a cut to the head.

Klinsmann's own words

"Unfortunately my season came to an end on Saturday. During the match I suffered a fracture to my spine which will sideline me for a while. I want to thank everyone on the ground and at the hospital here in Palermo, the fans of both Cesena and Palermo for the warm wishes and of course my friends and family who have supported me over the last few days."

The Munich-born goalkeeper, son of World Cup winner and Germany legend Jürgen Klinsmann, had been an ever-present for Cesena this season. He is a former United States youth international who was called into the senior national team camp as recently as November, and was considered an outside candidate for inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad despite having yet to earn a senior cap.

With the tournament fewer than two months away and Pochettino having named four goalkeepers in his most recent squad, the injury effectively closes the door on Klinsmann's chances of making the cut. He is among a group of uncapped goalkeepers the United States manager had been monitoring.

Ashley Cole tasked with finding a replacement

Klinsmann's absence leaves former England left-back Ashley Cole with a significant challenge. Cole, appointed as Cesena manager in March — his first managerial role — replaced sacked predecessor Michele Mignani and must now find a replacement goalkeeper capable of helping the club hold onto their Serie B play-off place.

Cesena currently occupy the last available promotion play-off spot in the second tier. Cole, who won league titles and domestic cups with Arsenal and Chelsea, has been working in coaching roles with Derby County, Everton, Birmingham City, and England since retiring from playing in 2019. He earned 11 Serie A appearances after joining Roma from London in 2014.

Klinsmann previously represented Hertha BSC, St Gallen, and Los Angeles Galaxy before establishing himself as Cesena's first-choice goalkeeper this season.